The aim of the study is to identify the list of machines for harvesting grain crops from plots I-II stage of selection works and to outline promising directions of development of harvesting machines designs. The article discusses various options for harvesting machines and their development in the period from 1976 to 2020. The appearance of the machines, their purpose and some parameters are presented. Their design and technological advantages and disadvantages are outlined. It is revealed that despite the fact that developed models of the machines exist, they are not mass-produced. Obviously, this is due to their low demand and factories see no benefit in setting up such production. Each of the presented machines allows increasing the productivity of mowing plants by a factor of 1,5 to 3. Many of the developed machines eliminate operator injury during operation.