Well, normally, when a magneto type engine has been started, it doesn't require any voltage to keep running unless it has a Kohler SmartSpark, and/or a fuel shutoff solenoid, which if it is newer, it likely does.
But why it won't crank with a brand new battery, but will if the brand new battery is jumped, prompted the first question about how it was jumped, in a
way to figure out the problem, like a main battery cable/ground/etc. problem.
We need to know that, how he has gotten it started, model/type-spec numbers off of the engine, maybe a pic or 2, all would be helpful.
More info/pics/ description could only help us help you.........