Abstract: The gathering units of the harvesting header diverge downwardly and forwardly from a common discharge zone at the upper rear end of the header, the two middle units being disposed in a plane below that of the two outer units and having their upper crop discharge outlets spaced forwardly from the corresponding discharge outlets of the outer units. The conveying elements of the outer units at least partially overlap conveying elements of the two inner gathering units adjacent the discharge outlets of the latter. Each gathering unit has its own individual standing crop cutter assembly, the assemblies of the two inner units being set back with respect to those of the outer units but being substantially the same height for uniform stubble height. Each assembly has a rotary cutter in combination with a stationary shear plate, both of which are mounted on the same side of the crop conveying passage of the unit.