Support and manipulation mechanism for leaf and debris collector

In a machine used for collecting leaves and debris, a mechanism for the support and manipulation of an intake hose, comprising:

• a fixed support frame, said support frame having horizontal support members being mounted on a chassis of a leaf and debris collector and providing a fixed vertical bearing surface including a pivot shaft;
• a swing arm, said swing arm extending horizontally from said support frame, said swing arm comprising an upper swing arm member pivoting about a horizontal axis keyed to a vertical pivot bracket, said upper swing arm member being fixed at one end to the upper pivot point of said pivot shaft and being at the other end fixed to an intake hose cradle;
• means for pivoting said swing arm, said pivoting means comprising said pivot shaft having a bearing at both the upper and lower ends, said pivot shaft pivotally linking said swing arm with said support frame;
• an intake hose cradle, said intake hose cradle fixed to the outermost end of said swing arm, said intake hose cradle used to support an intake hose from underneath;
• and
• means for manipulating such intake hose, said hose manipulation means being for controlling the movement of said intake hose in both the horizontal and vertical planes.