Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the PTO of a tractor or other tow vehicle. The apparatus includes a framework mounting a laterally extending tool bar, the height of which is determined by adjustment of a pair of supporting gauge wheels. The tool bar mounts a plurality of depending pruning heads adapted to remove the lower leaves from a tobacco stalk. Each pruning head contains a pair of laterally spaced rotatable paddles which are mounted for passage adjacent opposite sides of the lower portion of a tobacco stalk for engagement with and removal of the leaves. The paddles are rotated by a series of belt and chain drives which are mounted on the tool bar and connect the paddles to the PTO.