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Abstract. Basecutter is a core component of the sugarcane harvester and its performance greatly influences the cane yield and the efficiency of harvester. Therefore, it is meaningful to conduct a critical technology review on the current research status of the basecutters for sugarcane harvesting. In this paper, a brief introduction was performed firstly, then two cutting theories (supported / free cutting theory) and two cutting modes (straight / sliding cutting) were briefly reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of different cutting modes were summarized. It is followed by a comprehensive introduction of three optimizing methods of structural and kinematic parameters for the sugarcane basecutter: theoretical analysis and simulation, indoor experiments, and field experiments. Finally, some potential research interests to explore the stubble damaging process and improve the basecutting quality were discussed. The technology review is expected to provide researchers with more comprehensive, detailed, and accurate information about the basecutter in harvesting sugarcanes, which will also provide a technology reference to improve its basecutting performance.