A loader for a tire curing press includes a support (28), a loader frame (20) mounted on the support for vertical and horizontal movement, a loader basket (18) mounted on the loader frame for engaging, holding and releasing a tire, a first actuator (48) for vertically moving the loader frame, a second actuator (44) for horizontally moving the loader frame into and out of the press when open, and a mechanical guide (86) for guiding the loader frame from an over-center position in the press to a center position as the loader frame is moven vertically in the press. The loader frame is supported on a spline shaft (28) for movement therealong and rotation therewith by ball bushings (32) riding in the grooves ofthespline shaft. The loader basket comprising a plurality of generally radially movable shoes (116, 182), an adjustable stop (146, 198) for limiting radial movement of each shoe and two forms of an adjustment mechanism for simultaneously and uniformly adjusting the adjustable stops. One form of adjustment uses a knob (164) and flexible shafts (156, 158), while the other uses a crank (212) and rigid shafts (207) connected to the stops universal joints (208).