Your entry level LTX1055 is a cheap MTD lawn mower, they built your big box store Cub Cadet...
You need to either run the tractor every few weeks when it's stored or disconnect the battery and trickle charge it a few times in the off season just letting it sit is hard on them. Leaving a tractor just sit allows the fuel to mess up the carb also which will cause starting issues, adding fuel stabilizer will help some. Using starter fluid isn't a real good idea and shows you have fuel related issues from letting the tractor sit with old fuel in it.
Your neighbors probably leave their batteries in, add fuel stabilizer and run their MTD's every few weeks or so, that's why they are out mowing. As for your tires they will wear out quick if the toe in/ out setting is wrong and the original tires are cheap. If you replaced them with good tires and made sure the toe in is correct they will last a longtime. Throttle cables should be lubed from time to time also.
Odds are your old Montgomery Wards tractor would cost about twice or more in todays $$$ as much as your LTX1045 did.
It sounds like you need the carb cleaned and rebuilt(leaving fuel sit in it has taken it's toll), a new battery, an alignment and to start performing better off season storage care.
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