I use a yard crane and a 6' sling around the front wheels
That way you can stand it up till the rear frame touches the ground.
Before that it was an engine crane
Before that it was a chain hoist
Before that it was a block & tackle
When working on ZTR's with the front lifted high it is prudent the remove the spark plugs and spin the engine a few times just in case the cylinders have filled with fuel or oil