I cannot preach highly enough about Kawasaki small engines. My (2016..? Hustler Raptor 52") zero-turn has the 23HP FR691V (same owner's manual as yours). 900+ hours later, it still runs like brand new and I've literally never used the choke. Yes, it has that many hours because it does double duty on two large properties (about 3 acres combined). And because we never can seem to get the mower between both properties at the right time, the mower suffers the tall grass coming and going. It takes it like a champ.
What I've learned on these engines? Do NOT listen to Kawasaki regarding oil specs. They're clueless. Anything newer than SL will cause immediate implosion. Also, and I quote, "Using multi grade oils (5W-20, 10W-30, and 10W-40)
will increase oil consumption. Check oil level more frequently when using them."
They'd have an aneurysm if they found out I've been running SN Valvoline Synpower 5W-30 since the 8 hour dump without so much as being a few drops low (while running on average 100-125 hours per OCI, longer than the recommended 100). And before the 40 and 50 grade wackos attack, it specifies 10W-30 or SAE 30 on the dipstick, and has been running flawlessly on it. The plastic dipstick isn't even discolored.
Don't screw the dipstick on to check the level, just "dip" the "stick"
Figured that one out after 15 minutes at the 8 hour change.
Also, I've run WIX 57035 filters
every oil change (not every other like the manual recommends), only used NGK plugs (BPR4ES/7222), and have strictly used E-0 87 (with a light dose of Techron added every 4th or 5th fill up). Stay on top of the air/fuel filters & do even a fraction of what I've done, and you'll have one seriously happy engine. Congrats on your purchase!