Kesla Oyj has upgraded its widely used stroke harvester heads with a range of enhancements designed to improve durability, performance, and user experience. The new harvester head models, known as KESLA 20SH-II Advance and 25SH-II Advance, introduce productivity-boosting features, strengthened structures, and expanded configuration options to better meet the demands of modern timber harvesting.
Productivity-enhancing updates include optimized hydraulics, an optional tilt lock function and proportional pressure control, redesigned delimbing blades, as well as new sensor solutions for measuring length and stroke position.
Durability has been increased by strengthening material thickness in critical areas and through design changes to the tilt arm. The new delimbing blades are also stronger than before. Reliability in daily operation has been significantly improved through several changes to hydraulic hoses and electrical wire harnesses.
Improvements that enhance user comfort and serviceability include better tilt damping and modifications to protective covers.
The selection of configurable accessories has been expanded, enabling KESLA SH-II Advance models to be equipped even more precisely according to customer needs.
“The stroke harvester is an excellent solution for timber harvesting in mountainous areas and for particularly challenging tree species, as the stroke feed enables very high feeding force even with low-power base machines. Kesla is the undisputed market and technology leader in stroke harvesters worldwide, and with the improvements now introduced, the products are once again even more competitive”, says Mika Tahvanainen, Kesla’s Product Management Director.
Deliveries of the renewed SH II Advance models began in early 2026 to Japan, and they will replace the previous SH II models in other markets during Q1/2026.
More information
Kesla Oyj
Mika Tahvanainen, Product Management Director
tel. +358 40 535 6567
mika.tahvanainen[at]kesla.com
Image inquiries: Aleksandra Ihno, Marketing Specialist aleksandra.ihno[at]kesla.com
1. Sumitomo SH135 & KESLA 25SH-II Advance harvester head, Japan.
Kesla – Your Responsible Partner
Kesla is a responsible partner that develops machinery, technology and services for the sustainable success of its customers, both in and outside the forest. Kesla’s four product groups are: tractor equipment, logging equipment, stationary and industrial cranes, and KESLA Defence. In 2024, the Group’s turnover was €44,3 million, of which 53% was attributable to export operations. Established in 1960, Kesla has production facilities in Joensuu, Kesälahti and Ilomantsi as well as a sales office in Appenweier, Germany. Kesla currently employs around 232 people. Kesla’s A series shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.kesla.com