A cutting system for a harvester, the cutting system including a knockdown roller, at least two row dividers, at least two base cutting elements, and at least two inner base cutting discs. Each of the at least two base cutting elements is disposed in the structure of a respective one of the at least two row dividers. Each of the at least two inner base cutting discs is disposed behind the knockdown roller. The cutting system further includes two arms and a lifter roller. Each of the two base cutting elements is connected to a respective one of the two row dividers by a respective one of the two arms. Each of the two base cutting elements is positioned entirely forward of the knockdown roller and the lifter roller.