A peristaltic pump is provided that simplifies the loading of tubing and automatically self-centers the tubing relative to the pump wheel, wherein the pump includes an elongated arm having slotted pinch forks for engaging the tubing. The pinch forks are arranged substantially tangential to the pump wheel to reduce tubing kinking. The pump further includes a spring-loaded clamp that moves the elongated arm between engaged and disengaged positions, the clamp optionally including a sensor element used to detect when the pump is ready for operation.