i asked the mf mechanic about it last time i had the tractor in for service. i thought the tie rods were worn out because of the way the steering was loose and the wheels could be moved over an inch independently of the other wheel. he said it was inside the ram itself and it would need replaced. that's when he noticed the oil leak and told me it was probably the front seal on the engine and they would have to pull the engine to do that. seeing as they didn't have the ram or the seal in stock and were very busy and i needed the machine, they said they would do it next time i was in.
so i have been running the machine for a couple of months now, keeping an eye on the crankcase oil, and i don't think the leak is coming from the engine. i have had to add oil to the main reservoir. there does appear to be quite a leak in that area but everything is so tight it is hard to pin down exactly where it's coming from.
btw, i am at 199 hrs.