A vacuum cleaner base having a volute air outlet and a beater bar housing that are substantially collinear is described. In some embodiments, the beater bar housing includes an air outlet, the volute includes a volute air inlet disposed parallel to the beater bar housing, and a volute air outlet disposed orthogonal to the beater bar housing, and an air duct connecting the volute air inlet and the air outlet of the beater bar housing; wherein the air outlet of the beater bar housing and the volute air outlet are substantially collinear. Additionally a vacuum cleaner comprising a unibody mount bracket is described. In some embodiments, the unibody mount bracket includes one or more handle receptacles, a dirty air outlet configured to receive a dirty air conduit, and a pivot joint disposed adjacent the dirty air outlet, wherein the pivot joint is configured to receive a bag mounting member.