Abstract: A work machine, such as a skid steer loader or a compact track loader, includes a directional air intake assembly with a directional cap positioned on an intake pipe for selectively drawing ambient air into an internal combustion engine. A cooling vent ejects air heated by a rear-mounted engine upwardly into the atmosphere. Extending higher than and adjacent to the cooling vent, the directional cap has an elongated head that blocks ingress to the intake pipe other than through an opening at a face of the cap. Selectively positioning and angling the opening between a side of the loader and an edge of the cooling vent avoids taking in debris from near the wheels or tracks, avoids taking in heated air from the cooling vent, and takes advantage of negative pressure caused by the updraft from the cooling vent to remove particulates, resulting in cleaner air for the engine at close to ambient temperature.