Abstract: A hinged safety shield for a crop cutting apparatus having a frame for attachment to a tractor. A transversely extended cutter bar is supported on the frame for pivotal movement between a lower, operating position and a raised, transport position. The safety shield is pivotally mounted at one end portion thereof to the frame. A hydraulic cylinder for pivotally moving the cutter bar also acts to raise the shield from a lower, shielding position to an upper position. The safety shield is held in the upper position while the cutter bar is lowered whereupon unrestricted access is gained to the cutter bar for repair and maintenance procedures.