Abstract: A sugar beet defoliator and top saver having a frame, removable cover, conveyor extending laterally across the frame, steel flails disposed about a first rotating shaft situated between a front end of the frame and the conveyor, rubber flails disposed about a second rotating shaft situated within the frame rearward of the conveyor, ground wheels situated rearward of the frame, and scalper blades arranged transversely relative to the frame and situated rearwardly of the ground wheels. An interior shroud is situated between the steel flails and a front end of the frame, and a crank arm is configured to move a deflector plate from a first position to a second position. When the deflector plate is in the first position, it extends horizontally parallel with a top end of the shroud. When the deflector plate is in the second position, it is situated between the steel flails and the conveyor.