Lawn mower deliberately set underpowered?

I have a Mountfield RV40 (B&Q special), while performing a minor service on it I pulled on the governor and got some insane revs from the engine. At least twice the power of the mower on full throttle, to the point where I was uncomfortable at how fast it was running!

So, are mowers deliberately set to underperform on full throttle? Or has the cable simply slipped in the 10 years I've had this mower?

Thanks.

 

Yes, that does make sense. I do notice it gain power as it attempts to swathe a stripe through the mossier parts of my lawn.

Thanks.

 

Some of the commercial boys would increase rpm to increase forward speed on self propelled mowers but it's not recommended as it puts stress on the moving parts and some of the safety features as well as extra heat.
Some manufacturers do pulley kits to increase forward speed while keeping speed at the recommended rpm. My Etesia is setup up each year for 3000rpm or there abouts.
When increasing rpm you increase noise levels and vibration increases which is not good for long term use both to machine and your health if you are spending hours per day cutting.

 

Assuming the engine is a B&S, then engine revs are, as you mentioned, regulated by a governor. Its a spring loaded flap that is moved by the cooling airs passing. Now and again, they do sieze and cause problems. However, as you say yours can be moved, theres nothing wrong.

The idea is, when the engine is under load, the engine rpm reduces, which causes the flap to close, which in turn opens the throttle to bring the revs back up.

 

Also set for emissons and the decibles
To help keep sundays a little more peasefully

 

Thank you all.

lol, wouldn't want to wake the 2.2 kids