"Fuel sender? You mean the fuel METER sender? or the fuel PUMP?"
As advised, a non operating fuel gauge on the dash won't usually prevent the engine from running. The exception would be if the fuel tank unit, or gauge, is linked to the engine control system to stop the engine before it totally runs out of fuel.
Also, this is probably not the best forum for these sort of questions. Might be better to go to one that deals with JD equipment, or ride on lawnmowers.