Abstract: A haulm cutting apparatus includes lateral and vertical guiding means or surfaces and a first, rotatable shear rotatable around an axis of rotation extending in a direction with a vertical component. The apparatus further includes a counter shear for cooperation with the first, rotatable shear, and the first, rotatable shear and the counter shear are positioned in a side-by-side relationship relative to a direction of travel during operation.

Abstract: A haulm lifting and separating apparatus for separating haulms of rows of crops, possibly on ridges, said apparatus having a direction of travel and comprising at least one moving separating means in the form of a reciprocating or circulating, possibly circular, element adapted to be positioned next to a row of crops and comprising a series of peripheral protrusions reciprocating or circulating in a plane parallel to the direction of travel and extending upwards, said protrusions defining an area of passage; a ground abutment positioned next to a lower portion of the area of passage to define the position of said lower portion relative to the ground; a drive for the reciprocating or circulating element; and preferably a shear positioned next to a periphery of the area of passage.

Abstract: A haulm cutting apparatus includes lateral and vertical guiding means or surfaces and a first, rotatable shear rotatable around an axis of rotation extending in a direction with a vertical component. The apparatus further includes a counter shear for cooperation with the first, rotatable shear, and the first, rotatable shear and the counter shear are positioned in a side-by-side relationship relative to a direction of travel during operation.