The first two posts are from over five years ago so you probably won't get a response...
I would look at the fuel hoses first, the rubber tends to swell with time and can block the flow. If your tractor is 17 years old they're due. Also the fuel filter.
If the fuel pump has been run dry it needs to be primed, there should be a hand pump on the side for priming.
Diesel fuel can get infected by bacteria, I know some posters have reported it but I don't recall the solution.