Just bought a 2009 Craftsman LT2000 Model 917.28903 lawn mower. I'm about to get it ready for the season and I can't seem to locate an oil filter. My buddy says some models have no oil filter; is this the case with mine?

Hi,
In checking at the SearsPartsDirect.com site, I see there are four models in that family; 917.289030(307 parts), 917.289031(306 parts), 917.289032(305 parts) and 917.289033(310 parts.) On none of them is there and oil filter. It appears you have a Briggs 28 cu. in. OHV engine which could come either way. On some there was a place on the left side to add it as an accessory. On ones that came with a filter, it too was on the left side.
I will attach a representative engine breakdown(I could get you the "real" thing for your engine with the number off the engine.) On page 4 are the two sumps(# 4 and # 4A) and it should be fairly obvious which has a place for the filter. On page 11 is the accessory filter adapter(# 1028); it will NOT fit all models. You would first have to inspect the left side of the engine for a zig-zig plate held by two bolts to know if there is a place to attach it.
Peace,
Clarke