Scott- The zip tie is only there to keep the drain line from flailing around during mowing. If you can stretch the zip tie enough to get drain hose loose, you might be able to tighten it back up after. Otherwise a bag of zip ties are only a couple bucks @ Walmart or elsewhere.
Never hurts to have zip ties in stock anyhow. Good for many uses, like if wiring gets hanging near something that might damage it.
It is recommended to put at least 50 hours on before going to Synthetic oil. What grade M-1 are you considering ?