Help - john deere trs 27

I have a john deere trs 27 that i haven't had issues with before until this year. Won't start and run. I changed the spark plug, new oil, and added gas.

The only way i have been able to get it to start and run is by starting fluid otherwise it won't start and/or run which is an issue lol being it is winter ):

I did buy new carbs for it but hoping i can return them since they were $140 and don't want to sink a lot of money into it otherwise will just scrap it and buy a new one...

Seeing if anyone else has some suggestions/same problems before???

Please help i am desperate!!!