I agree with it being under powered. The kawasaki engine is a good engine just not the one for this mower. You're right about the cut when mulching, however when bagging your clippings the cut is great. Lawn mower fanatic I have read that you really like your Honda mowers. How is the performance when it comes to mulching and bagging if you have any experience using the bagging attachment? I currently use the Toro Recycler and love it when the engine is working that is. I have the Toro ( Tecumseh ) engine on it. If it wasn't for the engine I'd give it 5 stars. They do make a version with a Honda engine that I'm looking at but I'm in a toss up between Toro and Honda. If you could give me a review of your Honda mowers performance and how it handles different mowing situations such as: mulching, bagging, mowing wet grass, etc...