I have a dr mower with a 17hp kawasaki engine. The engine fires up and runs for a while with the choke wide open but dies immediately when moved to run. I have replaces the fuel filter, plugs, fuel pump, and air filter. I am out of ideas. Maybe the linkage to the carb needs adjustment? sorry if my questions are remedial. Attached are pictures of the carb and linkage.
From the outside of the carb it doesn't look like you have removed the carb and give it a good cleaning. Possibly a plugged jet not allowing enough fuel with the choke being closed.