A rotary mower has a lift frame comprising swiveling linkages that allow rotation of the deck with respect to a three point hitch. The lift frame further has a pair of angled legs rotatably affixed to the lift frame, each angled leg having an upper end and a lower end, the lower ends rotatably affixed to pivot brace brackets rigidly affixed to the deck. Each angled leg of the lift frame is rotatably affixed to one or more pivot bars near the upper end of the angled leg. Each pivot bar extends upwardly between the angled leg and an upper end of the lift frame. A shield covers the pivot bars to protect the users.