There are several factors which could be contributing to your quality of cut and extended cranking cold which may be correctable if you are interested. I work on many different brands and one guy's next door neighbor gal's same model tractor always mulches bags cuts better that their own. Mulching always comes with caveats.

Sure Im interested in what you know tom. I'll probably have sears come out and perfect this if possible though. Im under the belief after having two of these brand new act exactly the same , that this is it. I'd love to hear what you're thinking though. I have this a year and it has a 5 year warranty.
Thanks

Yes, you owe it to yourself to have the problems addressed. Hopefully, the tech will take some time with you and your machine. You could be talking a simple choke adjustment on the cold start, deck service -cleaning, leveling, education etc. Be sure to let us know what you've learned.