If you're shopping for a mower blade sharpener, you’ve likely come across a wide range of options—from premium brands like RBG to low-cost import grinders that seem “close enough.” But when you're sharpening mower blades day in and day out, "close enough" doesn’t cut it.

We get the question all the time: Why should I invest in a USA-made RBG mower blade grinder instead of a cheaper knockoff? It’s a fair question—and the fact that import manufacturers copied the original RBG design from 2012 proves one thing: RBG set the standard. This is the best mower blade grinder in the industry. Let’s walk through why RBG is worth the investment.

Built Like a Tank — For Professionals

RBG 712 grinders are made from heavy-duty 11-gauge steel and weigh 45 lbs. That weight ensures vibration absorption and long-term shop stability. Imported look-alikes weigh 15–20 lbs less and use cast-metal frames with plastic components, sacrificing durability for cost savings.

Even the hardware tells the story: RBG uses 5/8" metal bolts and a commercial-grade USA-made plug, while knockoff units use 3/8" bolts and plastic switches. These differences aren’t cosmetic—they’re functional, especially in high-volume work environments.

Motor Power and Angle Precision

Inside the RBG 712 is a high-torque, low-RPM Baldor motor, encapsulated and insulated for smoother performance and longer life. In contrast, imported grinders typically use plastic fan components and offer lower torque—fine for occasional home use, but not for professional landscapers who sharpen blades every day or weekly.

The RBG 712 uses a 1" fixed factory angle guide to ensure consistent, flat-edge sharpening. Most imports use a smaller 3/4" guide, which reduces blade stability and consistency. When you're aiming for factory-sharp results, stability matters.

Grinding Wheel Quality and Sharpening Speed

RBG’s 24-grit ceramic grinding wheel is bonded to a steel disc—built for longevity and balance. It can sharpen over 200 blades per wheel. Import grinders rely on 60-grit adhesive-backed sandpaper, which wears quickly and creates more mess. After about 20 blades, that sandpaper is degraded enough to slow down the sharpening process significantly.

Changing a wheel? RBG’s setup is clean and fast. Import knockoffs require you to remove and replace sandpaper on both sides, which takes more time and wears you down just as fast as it wears down the paper.

Dealer Support & Attachments

RBG offers full access to OEM wheels, parts, grit collectors, and accessories. Plus, support comes from a real USA-based manufacturer—not a third-party distributor. That means fewer delays and faster help when you need it.

Looking to do more? RBG 934 also offers higher horsepower, a fan for extended use, and a 9-inch grinding wheel capable of sharpening up to 250 blades per wheel. RBG 750 and RBG 950 are models that have the mulching blade sharpening configurations.  You can convert your RBG 712 to a RBG 750 by the addition of an add-on kit (RBG 712-50) or the RBG 934 can be converted to RBG950 with the RBG 934-50 kit.

Summary: RBG vs. Import Grinder

Final Thoughts

If you're a professional landscaper, you already know—cheap equipment costs more in the long run. Just like you wouldn’t buy the cheapest zero-turn mower on the market, you shouldn’t cut corners on the tools that keep your blades sharp. The RBG 712 mower blade grinder is a long-term investment in quality, speed, and reliability.

For pros who sharpen mower blades daily or weekly, RBG saves time, reduces frustration, and delivers cleaner cuts. And when your blades perform better, so does your business.

Ready to upgrade? Explore the RBG 712 Blade Grinder now.