John McGrady is national sales manager for Cramer UK, focused on supporting Cramer’s dealer network and end users with battery powered solutions designed for professional landscaping and grounds care. McGrady has over 12 years experience within the industry and has seen the transition from petrol to battery technology firsthand. He is passionate about helping businesses adopt greener, safer, and more cost-effective solutions without compromising on performance.
He will be speaking on HortWeek's Tools of the trade: Navigating machinery, equipment and scams panel.
Join us on September 9 in the Landscape Zone in the HortWeek seminar area at GroundsFest at 1pm.
This essential panel is sponsored by Cramer, Makita UK LTD and STIGA.
You’re on the Tools of the trade: Navigating machinery, equipment and scams panel at GroundsFest this year – why should visitors come along to listen?
GroundsFest is about showcasing the future of our industry, and the Tools of the Trade panel is the perfect place to see where innovation meets practicality. Visitors will gain real world insights into how modern products are transforming the way we work, from efficiency and sustainability to operator safety and productivity. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, challenge ideas, and take away actionable knowledge that can make a difference to your day-to-day operations.
What’s your role at Cramer and expertise?
I’m national sales manager for Cramer UK. My role is focused on supporting our dealer network and end users with battery powered solutions designed for professional landscaping and grounds care. With over 12 years in the industry, I’ve seen the transition from petrol to battery technology firsthand, and I’m passionate about helping businesses adopt greener, safer, and more cost-effective solutions without compromising on performance.
What are some of your most popular products and why?
Our 82V commercial range is the backbone of Cramer’s offering. It includes everything from mowers and hedge trimmers to powerful blowers and chainsaws. These products are popular because they deliver the same power as petrol without the noise, emissions, or maintenance headaches. The Optimus ride-on mowers have also been a game changer for many contractors, offering performance and runtime that rival traditional machines while dramatically reducing fuel costs and environmental impact.
Considering the current shifts in the landscape and amenity sector, what are you focussing on that you believe will be crucial?
Sustainability and efficiency are at the heart of everything we do. We’re focusing on expanding battery technology and smart connectivity solutions that give operators real time data on usage, performance, and fleet management. This isn’t just about being eco-friendly, it’s about improving uptime, reducing total cost of ownership, and making life easier for professional users. As regulations around emissions tighten and fuel prices fluctuate, these developments will become essential for businesses to stay competitive.
What are you most looking forward to at GroundsFest 2025?
For me, it’s the chance to connect face-to-face with professionals from across the industry. GroundsFest creates an environment where we can showcase new innovations, but more importantly, listen to feedback from the people using the equipment every day. Those conversations shape the future of our products and help us keep delivering solutions that really make a difference.
