Abstract: An automatic drive hammer system includes an automatic drive hammer apparatus which is carried by a bucket pivotally mounted to a drill rig. The drive hammer apparatus may be pivoted in the bucket from an off-hole storage position to an on-hole loading/unloading position whereby the drive hammer apparatus is lifted out of the bucket by a winch assembly and the bucket is pivoted to the off-hole storage position. An anvil and connector connects to a drill string and sampler which extend upwardly from a hole in the ground. The drive hammer apparatus has a housing which contains a hammer adapted for reciprocal sliding movement therewithin to cyclically strike the anvil to drive the anvil, drill string and sampler combination into the ground. A trip rail is rigidly attached to the anvil and extends within the housing. A follower assembly is pivotally mounted to the hammer.