Abstract: A crop lifter is described that combines the lifting ability of a conventional lifter with the sickle protecting qualities of a sickle guard. Crop-lifting surfaces in the combination lifter and guard extend from a forward end of an extended guard finger to a rearward end located substantially above a sickle knife slot and substantially rearward of a leading edge of the knife slot. This arrangement has been found to reduce crop loss. Some versions of the combination lifter and guard include a crop-holding surface that prevents crop loss by preventing grain from spilling backward or off the front end of a cutter bar.