Backfiring when starting possible causes

Yes it is hard to start beside the plug what else would cause backfire?

somehow your air/fuel mixture isn't right. Specifically would be hard to predict without messing with it. Its possible its not getting enough fresh air to support full burn in the cylinder, When did you change the air filter last?

Next I'd have a look at the carburetor, take off the bowl and see if its all gummed up with crud, if so clean it. If its still giving trouble, you might need to give the carb a good cleaning, which mostly sucks so because I'm lazy I'd try to run some barryman's b12 through it and see if that fixes it first.

Thank's will try that definitely grateful I'll get back later this week if I still have this problem again Thanks

My craftsman rider mower back fires thru the carb and will not start .I've checked the shur pin Good, have spark and plug gets wet . When start fluid applied it pops back thru carb . I feel suction thru carb so compression is decent. I've removed the fuel pump to eliminate that issue still same . Next I'll hot wire to bypass all electric, possibility issues . Could it be that the. Timing is off some how or ???? Just will not start . It's a day 4000 modle number 31p777 code 04332e1 hp 18.5

need to remove and clean the carburetor by hand with carburetor cleaner. blow compressed air through all openings and reassemble. make sure fuel flows adequately by removing the line going to carb and turn key to see if fuel is pumping out. make sure fuel filter and air filter is clean. if you have a fuel solenoid; just remove it from the carburetor and plug it back in and turn key on once and watch pin make sure it drops down.