A machine for harvesting sugar-bearing ground crops such as sweet sorghum, in cold regions is described. The sugar crop harvester with various adaptations described is comprised of operational components, or features, that minimize the damage done to the crop during harvesting, particularly those things that result in deterioration of sugars prior to processing. The harvester includes several operational components that are well suited for processing sweet sorghum, particularly the dividers, base cutters, feed conveyor, de-trashing roll, brush rolls, hurler drums, de-bridging thrash roller, air blast, toppers and bin. Other components of the harvester are designed for easy maintenance. The operational components can be used with either a whole-stalk style harvester, or a chopper-style harvester.