What I was led to understand is that that kick plate is there to hide the undercarriage of the unit and also if you look closely you'll see a screw, dead center at the bottom of the unit, that screw lets you balance the rear of the unit while you balance the front with the two white wheels at either corner in front. First balance front and then the rear by turning that screw at the bottom. I would use a leveler to help you see if it is balanced. Good luck, good machine by the way.