Abstract: A novel stock roll support assembly and loading method for a cushioning conversion machine that produces dunnage product from sheet stock material supplied as a roll provides for easier loading of the stock roll onto a roll support at the upstream end of the cushioning conversion machine in certain situations, such as where the machine is located against a wall or over (or under) a conveyor, etc. The stock roll support assembly is connected to a main frame of the machine for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet stock material. The stock roll support assembly includes a stock roll support mounted to the main frame for swinging movement between an operating position and a loading position. In the operating position, the stock roll support is operative to support the stock roll adjacent the main frame, and in the loading position, the stock roll support is swung away from the main frame to facilitate loading of a stock roll thereon.