RX75 - where is the fuel filter?

My RX75 is turtle slow when in gear and running, can it be made to go faster?
When I tried starting in today, it an ran for a minute or so and quit on it's own, even with me trying to keep it running by moving the gas lever. Also, the engine stops running when I engage the mower deck. Where is the fuel filter to check and see if that's the problem?
Or could it be the only way to run the mower with out stalling the engine is to duct tape the switch below the engage lever?

Thanks for your response ASAP since I can hear the grass growing as I speak. 9/19/08