Air Filters on small engines

[bmon]

Hey Gang, I know that this is not an oil question, but any input would help. I have two zeroturn mowers, both with Kawasaki engines. One has the older FH series and the other the newer FR series engine. The service kit for these engines is the exact same, except that Kawasaki intructions say not to use the pre- cleaner for the air filter on the FR series , only on the FH series. Any idea why? Will it affect the engine if I did use the pre-cleaner on the FR engine also?

 

[The motor guy]

I have a kawasaki fj180v which is a 6hp engine. It has a pre filter which is nice because the air filter itself doesn't ever get dirty. The pre filter goes bad after a while though. It falls apart after a while. I'd say just as long as the rubber seal fits snuggly I don't see a problem using the pre filter in there.