I removed the lower panel on my 2018. It is really only to help with noise and some say it prevents heat from escaping causing more potential issues. For oil removal, I changed the drain plug to:
Fumoto F109SX M12-1.5 Sx Series Drain Valve. Makes draining the oil very simple. I collect it in a disposable aluminum foil type cooking pan, pour it back into the bottle that the new oil came out of and drop it off at Walmart Auto center for disposal. Auto parts stores also take it.
I extended the exhaust pipe with
Stainless Steel Exhaust Hose to get the exhaust out further back under the cart. Get the length you think you need. I chose the 23.6 inch version as there wasn't anywhere further back to support a longer one.