Abstract: A sliding loader is disclosed comprising an undercarriage, one or more air bearings attached to the undercarriage, one or more forced air means provide pressurized air to the air bearings, and one or more lifting means for moving payloads, wherein the lifting means are attached to the undercarriage. An improved air bearing is disclosed comprising an optional top surface, wherein the top surface has an orifice; a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is porous; an inflatable chamber, wherein the inflatable chamber is positioned between the top surface and the bottom surface; an optional bottom framework, wherein the bottom framework is attached to the bottom surface; and one or more optional elastic members, wherein the top ends of the elastic members are attached near the top end of the inflatable chamber and the bottom ends of the elastic members are attached near the bottom end of the inflatable chamber.