Engine dixon ztr fuel problem

I have a ztr 4424 with a kohler cv15s-41544 engine and it's not getting fuel

if i remove the air filter and pour a little fuel in it'll start fine and run until it runs out of gas

when i used it last week, it dies on me everytime i tried to cut on a downhill slope in nearly the same spot

i replaced the fuel filter, didn't help

I'm thinking it's either fuel line, fuel pump, or carb

i'm not advanced so could anyone offer any advice on where to start first?

I'm thinking fuel line would be the best bet but it looks like it's really tough to get to it and I'm not sure how to get to it.

thanks for any help