Tractor ran good last fall, parked it in heated shop, cleaned old gas out, put new battery in, and acts like it is not getting spark?:

I have the same machine... and had same problem... re-did the fuel filter and fuel line and it still wouldn't start... but seemed to want to start. Discovered that the sparkplug was over-gapped at .040" - cleaned and re-set it to .030" and all was good again. Pretty simple fix.
Hope it works for you as well.
Jumbo1114

Have a 175,same problem,the ignition switch was bad,too many times started for the last X years I guess.

Replaced it,all good now.

Might be it too.

KBC

Hi,
Another possible source of a problem there is a gummed up anti-afterfire solenoid. It is the cylindrical piece on the bottom of the carb with the yellow wire connected to it. Should hear or feel it "click" open when switch is in run position. Cleaning can be accomplihed with carb cleaner. I simply say this since you said you disposed of stale fuel.
Ignitions do not usually "head South" just sitting. Kawasakis will backfire if a two piece ignition is failing, and do little or nothing on the one piece ignition. One piece unit can replace two piece unit and is preferred fix if your dealer can verify it as an opton(flywheel must not be different.)
Peace,
Clarke

Notorious spark plug foulers. Need a new plug twice a year for mine. Is way worse with ANY stale gas in system.