Abstract: A pile 13 is driven into the ground 5 by a ram 8 driven by a hydraulic cylinder 37. The pile 13 is guided through a guide 2 having a detachable end portion 4 which is embedded in the ground. The guide 2 and cylinder 37 are vertically slideable on a rail 3 and can be raised and lowered by a further hydraulic ram 39 located at the upper end of the rail 3. Further piles are loaded through a door 11 in the side of the guide 2 and each pile is driven in a single stroke. The apparatus is transportable on a tracked vehicle 41. By supporting the pile 13 in a tubular guide 2 during driving it is possible to use pile sections of small diameter which are light and easy to handle. Pile sections are connected using a tubular metal joint member.