Cutting device (1) comprises a lifting unit and a cutting unit arranged parallel to a row (3) of plants or a bank (4). The lifting unit lifts the plant stalks (7) from the ground to a cutting level accessible for the cutting unit arranged behind or in front of the lifting unit. An independent claim is also included for a chassis for the cutting device. Preferred Features: The lifting unit comprises a rotor (9) which rotates with or against the traveling direction of the cutting unit. The rotor has radially arranged elastic fingers for lifting the stalks. The rotor has an intermediate chamber (13) for interacting with the cutting unit.
