I purchased a Toro GTS mower 6.5 hp at a garage sale today. Owner uses a lawn service now and didn't need it. She said it ran well 2 years ago but it has been sitting since. I put it fresh gas and oil and took off bowl and sprayed carb cleaner in metal piston object (is that the carb?) I took off filter (was quite dirty and needs replacing) shook it out and sprayed starter spray in intake. I have not checked out spark plug but know it is there!
I primed 3 times and pulled cord. It sputtered put did not start. I broought this mower home today and it was tipped toward the front in my trunk. Mower also has electric start I turned key and it may noise but no result. Hope you can help! I am mechanical but have never worked on a mower. Thanks!

Hi,
Safe bet that the carb is dirty after two years with fuel in it. That is an exceptionally good engine, rivals the top-of-the-line Hondas (it is a Suzuki.) I would suggest charging the battery as low charge or stuck starter pinion sound virtually the same to an untrained ear.
The carb may have a drain and putting in fresh gas, allowing it to sit a couple of days and draining can clean some of the gunk in the carb (the draining gas will look orangish-brown if it has dissolved deposits.)
It would be helpful to know the model and serial numbers as Toro provides good information online if you have those. On the rear of the machine beneath where the bag goes, facing uperward on the rear deck or at the very rear on the vertical part of the very back of the deck. Barring all these, try the underside of the panel near the top of the upper handle.
Peace,
Clarke