Free craftsman riding mower

this is a 15.5hp craftsman riding mower that someone gave me a week ago. when i got it it had a few problems. the battery was bad, the oil level was low, the fuel filter needed to be changed, the solenoid was bad, and the throttle isn't working right or should i say that's a fuel or carburetor problem. so far i replaced the battery, ordered a new solenoid, took the fuel filter off and replaced it with nothing, and i put a half quart of oil in it. the transmission seems to work ok, its a six speed transmission. the ignition switch doesn't seem to work with the solenoid so i just took a toggle switch and mounted it onto the dash and connected the solenoid to it and the battery. so to start the engine you turn the ignition to run and turn on the toggle switch until the engine turns over then turn it off. the engine also has a brand new fuel pump and a new oil filter. i might turn this one into a racing mower rather than cutting grass with it. if you have any questions comment or send me a message.