A harvesting machine (1) having a central, elevated walkway (15) extending in a longitudinal direction along the machine (1) above machine parts situated below on a floor (3) of the machine. The machine (1) has at least two opposing exterior side panels (4a, 4c), each of side panels movable between a closed position in which each panel (4a, 4c) extends in a substantially vertical plane between the walkway (5) and the floor (3) of the machine providing protection to a side of the machine, and an open position wherein each panel (4a, 4c) in a raised position extends in a substantially vertical plane providing access underneath the panel to the machine parts. At least a portion of each panel (4a, 4c) projects above the walkway (5) providing a safety barrier along two edges of the walkway (5).
