Why doesn't my toro SS 4200 move and why dose it start for 1 1/2 sec and stop?

SOURCE: my toro self propelled mower

I'm guessing this means that it starts when you "prime" it and then dies. That is because the gas is not getting to the carburetor. The problem is that the carb needs a a good cleaning. I also learned that there is a common problem with Toro Mowers (specifically, the Tecumseh carbs on them). I learned from the Toro Distributor that there is an extra hole in that brass bolt that holds the float bowl on that is so small you can barely see it. The hole is a pin-hole right at the very top of the threads on that brass bolt. About the only thing you can stick thru it is the pin that the carb needle-valve hangs on. According to Dave at the Toro place "That's the only thing that goes wrong with them". Well he was right about the one I was fixing. She runs great now. Best of luck to you.
James

SOURCE: I have a Toro 20" self propelled, electric start

I am strictly Briggs&Stratton. They are hard to start when the fuel tank is half empty. Clean the plug and air filter.

SOURCE: My parents have a self

Does the mower die right away (cuts out) or does it sputter to a halt. Sputtering out would indicate a fuel problem. If it just cuts out when hot, then more likely an ignition problem. Your coil may need replacing. Take a close look at the coil wire (spark plug wire) and its routing. Make sure it's not touching part of the engine where it's heating up and has caused a "leak" to ground it out when it gets hot. If all is well then check your spark when the engine is hot and cuts out. Make sure you have a very good blue spark and not a weak one (check it cold first and then compare!). Again, indicating a possible ignition coil problem. Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
James

SOURCE: LX420 won't turnover.Checked battery, brake

Sounds very familiar.
There is a fuse that you need to check.

SOURCE: toro recycler mower won't stay running

take apart the carb float and clean it out, then take apart the rest of the carb and spray cleaner through it. sounds like you might have some old gas turned to jelly in your carb thats plugging it too much for the typical pressures inside the carb to **** through