Abstract: A nozzle mount assembly for use in soft excavation. The assembly includes a vacuum tube, nozzle ports, and a wear ring. The vacuum tube defines air flow passages including an open lower end of the vacuum tube and air relief slots located near its lower end. The nozzle ports are defined by a manifold having air troughs located between the nozzle ports. Each nozzle port is configured to receive a high-pressure fluid nozzle. One nozzle port is angled toward the center of the vacuum tube, and two nozzle ports are angled away from the vacuum tube. The nozzle port angled toward the center of the vacuum tube is configured to direct a fluid stream through an air relief slot in the vacuum tube.