Abstract: A pile-driving apparatus includes a diesel hammer pile driver having a cylinder, and a piston and a striker displaceably guided therein. A combustion chamber opens into a fuel feed device for introducing a predetermined amount of fuel into the combustion chamber during each working cycle. A disengagement apparatus axially displaceable on the cylinder outside is disposed within the cylinder, to raise the piston, has a driver introduceable into a piston undercut, through a piston recess, and has an operating lever for pivoting the driver into the cylinder space if a collision with the engagement cam occurs. A disengagement cam on the cylinder above the engagement cam pivots the driver out of the cylinder space if the operating lever collides with the disengagement cam. The engagement cam and/or the operating lever is configured for movement out of the collision region of the operating lever or of the engagement cam.