Hydraulic fluid leaking from 345 tractor

[Bheiser]

I started up the tractor yesterday and noticed that there appears to be hydraulic fluid leaking from the front of the motor.
This is a water cooled 20 HP Kawasaki motor.
The fluid doesn't look like coolant. it's slippery like Hydraulic fluid.
This tractor has hydraulic deck and steering.

Any ideas on what could be leaking and how to repair?
Thanks for any insight.

 

[beenthere]

Welcome to TBN

First, I'd try to tie down what fluid it is.. engine oil, hyd. oil, or coolant.

And/or locate where the leak is coming from.

Valve cover maybe?

As you explore to find it, take some pics and post when you have a visual of the leak.

 

[Bheiser]

It's hyd. oil. I'll have to take the engine cover off to get a better look at where it's coming from this weekend.

 

[Bheiser]

Finally had the chance to look at it. It is cooling fluid. It only leaked when I start it up. It stops and doesn’t leak while I cut or pickup leaves for over an hour.