When I first look at a Large Excavator, I do not start with the word “electric.” I start with the job. How hard is the material? How many hours will the machine work every day? How far does it need to move? Is there a stable power supply on site? What bucket size is needed? These questions tell me much more than a simple product label.

The XE870EP Crawler-Type Electric Excavator is interesting because it takes a different route from battery-powered electric Excavators. Instead of carrying a large battery pack, this machine uses a tethered electric drive system. In other words, electrical power is supplied to the excavator through an external power connection while the machine performs its excavation work. XCMG's official product information lists a 400 kW electric motor, a 5.98 m³ standard bucket and a maximum digging radius of 12,320 mm. The official specifications show no battery capacity because the XE870EP is a tethered-electric machine rather than a battery-electric excavator.

That difference is important. If I am working on a mine, quarry or fixed industrial site where electrical infrastructure is already available, I do not necessarily need a huge battery just to keep a large excavator running. A direct electric power supply can make much more sense for a machine that spends most of its working day in one area.

Ganglong Heavy Industry Technology (Hefei) Co., Ltd. works with construction machinery, mining machinery, agricultural machinery and related attachments. Together with Hefei Ganglong International Trade Co., Ltd., we also support customers in international markets. When we discuss a machine such as the XE870EP, I prefer to look at the whole project rather than only the machine price. Power supply, transport, attachments, working conditions, spare parts and service planning all matter.

1. What the XE870EP Is Designed to Do

The XE870EP is built for customers who need the working ability of a large excavator but want to use electric power instead of a traditional diesel engine. XCMG describes it as a “drag-electric” or tethered-electric excavator. The official product page lists a 400 kW rated/peak electric power system, a 5.98 m³ standard bucket and a maximum digging radius of 12,320 mm.

For me, the 5.98 m³ bucket is one of the easiest specifications to understand. A bucket close to six cubic metres is designed for moving a large amount of material in each working cycle. Of course, the actual load depends on material density and bucket fill. A bucket full of loose soil is very different from a bucket working in dense rock.

The official specification also lists a bucket digging force of 474 kN. That tells me the machine is intended for serious excavation rather than light-duty site preparation. XCMG's conventional XE870GK, which belongs to the same broad large excavator class, also lists a 5.98 m³ bucket and 474 kN bucket digging force.

Source: XCMG official XE870EP product pages. Final configuration and technical documents should be confirmed before purchase.

There is one specification point I would specifically check with the supplier before placing an order. XCMG's current public pages show the machine weight differently: one page displays 8.8 tonnes, while another lists an operating weight of 88,000 kg. Because the machine's bucket, dimensions and overall class are clearly those of a large excavator, I would not use the 8.8-tonne figure for transport or engineering calculations without confirmation. The final technical specification supplied for the actual machine should be treated as the purchasing reference.

This may look like a small detail, but it is exactly the kind of detail I want to catch before a machine is shipped overseas. A weight difference of this size affects trailers, lifting arrangements, shipping costs, permits and site preparation.

2. How a Tethered Electric Excavator Works

The basic idea is quite simple.

A diesel excavator carries its fuel with it. A battery-electric excavator carries its stored electrical energy with it. A tethered electric excavator receives electrical energy from an external power source through a cable system.

The XE870EP belongs to the third group.

Electricity is supplied to the machine and drives the electric power system. The electric motor then provides the energy required by the hydraulic system and other machine functions. The hydraulic system still performs the familiar work of moving the boom, arm and bucket.

So when I say “electric excavator,” I am not saying that the XE870EP stops using hydraulics. The excavation process is still hydraulic. The major difference is the source of power.

This arrangement has one very practical advantage for fixed working areas: I do not need to carry a large battery simply to provide several hours of energy. The machine can continue working while connected to the available electrical supply, provided the site power system is properly designed for the machine.

That is why I see the XE870EP as particularly interesting for mines, quarries and large industrial projects. These are places where an excavator may spend most of its working day in a defined operating area.

XCMG states that the XE870EP uses a large-displacement, large-flow, fully electronically controlled hydraulic system. The company also describes a segmented current-control system designed to make machine operation faster, more efficient, precise and smooth.

In simple terms, the hydraulic system has to make good use of the electric power available. A large excavator does not become productive simply because it has a powerful motor. The hydraulic pump, main valve, control system and working attachment all have to cooperate.

I pay particular attention to this point because operators rarely work in a single simple movement. A normal excavation cycle can include lowering the boom, digging with the bucket, lifting, swinging and unloading. If the control system responds slowly or unevenly, the operator has to compensate. Smooth control makes the machine easier to work with.

3. Electric Power Without a Large Battery

One of the most common questions I receive about electric construction machinery is, “How long can the battery last?”

For the XE870EP, that is the wrong first question because the machine does not use an onboard traction battery as its main energy source. XCMG's current specification lists the battery type, battery voltage and battery capacity as “/”. That is consistent with the machine's tethered-electric design.

Instead, I would ask, “What electrical infrastructure is available at the job site?”

That changes the planning process completely.

Source: XE870EP power-system information from XCMG; comparison categories are based on the different machine architectures.

For a mine that already has a high-capacity electrical system, this can be a very practical arrangement. The excavator does not have to stop every few hours to recharge a battery. Instead, the machine remains connected to the power supply while operating.

But I would not hide the other side of the story. A tethered excavator is less flexible than a battery-powered excavator when it comes to moving around a large site. The cable and electrical infrastructure have to be planned properly. If the work area changes frequently, cable management becomes an important part of the operating plan.

This is why I always ask about the site before recommending an electric excavator. There is no single power system that is perfect for every project.

4. XE870EP Versus XE870GK: Electric and Diesel in the Same Working Class

For a buyer, comparing a tethered electric excavator with a diesel excavator of a similar class can be more useful than comparing it with a much smaller electric machine.

The XCMG XE870GK is a conventional diesel large excavator. Its official page lists an operating weight of 85,000 kg, a 5.98 m³ bucket, a 563 kW engine and a 474 kN bucket digging force. XCMG lists applications including hard soil, gravel, weathered rock, coal seams, ore loading, metal mines, limestone mines and aggregate yards.

The XE870EP has a 400 kW electric power system and the same listed 5.98 m³ bucket capacity and 474 kN bucket digging force.

Source: XCMG official XE870EP and XE870GK product information. Power systems are different, so motor and engine ratings should not be treated as a direct performance ranking.

This table tells me something useful. The XE870EP is not designed to become a lightweight electric excavator. It remains a large excavation machine. The main change is the energy source.

When I compare the two for a customer, I look at the project rather than simply asking which one has more kilowatts.

For a fixed mine with strong electrical infrastructure, the XE870EP may offer a very different operating-cost structure because it replaces diesel fuel with electrical energy. XCMG states that its tethered-electric system can reduce operating costs by more than 50% compared with a traditional fuel system. That is a manufacturer claim under its stated conditions, so I would use it as a reference point rather than promise the same saving for every customer.

The actual result depends on local electricity prices, diesel prices, annual working hours, electrical infrastructure, machine utilization and maintenance costs. A customer running a machine 20 hours a week has a very different business case from a mine running multiple shifts every day.

5. Main Features I Would Pay Attention To

Large Electric Power System

The XE870EP uses a 400 kW electric motor. For a large excavator, that is a serious power level. It gives the machine the energy base needed for heavy excavation and large-volume material handling.

The benefit I see here is not simply “electric is modern.” The more practical benefit is that the machine can use a stable external power supply without carrying a large fuel tank or large traction battery.

5.98 m³ Standard Bucket

The standard bucket capacity is 5.98 m³. This makes the XE870EP suitable for applications where moving large volumes of material is more important than delicate excavation work.

Bucket selection still needs to match the material. I would not automatically use the same bucket for loose soil, limestone, blasted rock and other heavy materials. The bucket design, wear protection and working condition all affect actual productivity.

474 kN Bucket Digging Force

XCMG lists a 474 kN bucket digging force for the XE870EP. That is a useful figure when assessing hard or compact material.

Of course, digging force is not the only factor that determines productivity. Ground conditions, bucket shape, boom and arm geometry, operator technique and working cycle all matter.

Large and Strong Undercarriage

XCMG describes the XE870EP as using a mining-duty reinforced adjustable undercarriage and high-power travel reduction gears. The company says the design provides greater traction, smoother operation and easier transportation.

This is exactly the kind of feature I look for on a Mining Excavator. The working attachment may do the digging, but the undercarriage supports the entire machine. On rough ground, a weak or poorly matched undercarriage becomes a serious problem.

Electronic Control and Operator Modes

The XE870EP includes what XCMG describes as a bionic memory function for working modes. Operators can adjust combined movements, response and impact characteristics according to different working habits. The system can also identify heavy-load conditions and adjust the machine for stronger excavation.

That sounds technical, but the idea is quite simple: different operators and different materials do not always need exactly the same machine response. Giving the operator more control over the working mode can make the excavator easier to adapt to the job.

6. Where I Would Use the XE870EP

Open-Pit Mining

This is probably the first application I would discuss with a customer. A large open-pit mine often has a defined working area, fixed power infrastructure and long operating hours. Those conditions fit the basic idea of a tethered electric excavator.

The 5.98 m³ bucket and 474 kN digging force provide the basic capability needed for large-scale excavation and loading work. XCMG's conventional XE870GK, a similar-size diesel machine, is officially listed for metal mines, limestone mines, coal seams and aggregate yards.

Quarries and Aggregate Yards

Quarries often involve repeated excavation and loading in a relatively fixed area. If the electrical system can be brought close to the working zone, a tethered electric excavator can be considered for this type of operation.

The machine still needs to be matched to the material. Hard rock, blasted material and loose aggregate do not place the same demands on the bucket or working equipment.

Large Earthmoving Projects

Large infrastructure projects can also be considered if the working area and electrical supply are suitable. However, I would pay more attention to mobility here. If the excavator has to move long distances every day, a tethered configuration needs more planning than a diesel or battery-powered machine.

Industrial Material Handling

Some large industrial sites have fixed electrical infrastructure and repeated material-handling tasks. In those situations, an electric excavator may be worth evaluating because the machine's operating pattern is predictable.

Low-Emission Working Environments

The XE870EP has no diesel engine exhaust at the machine itself because its primary power source is electricity. This can be useful where local exhaust emissions are a concern. However, I would always distinguish local machine emissions from the wider environmental impact of electricity generation.

That distinction matters. Electric equipment can reduce direct fuel use at the work site, but the total environmental benefit depends partly on how the electricity is produced.

7. Manufacturing, Inspection and What I Check Before Delivery

A large excavator is not something I would evaluate only by reading a brochure. When the machine weighs tens of tonnes and works in demanding conditions, structural quality and system matching become very important.

The first thing I look at is the main structure. The upper frame, lower frame, boom, arm and bucket experience repeated loads. Excavating hard material puts a very different load on the structure compared with light soil work.

The second area is the hydraulic system. The XE870EP uses a large-displacement, large-flow electronically controlled hydraulic system. XCMG states that its segmented current-control system is designed to improve speed, efficiency, accuracy and smoothness.

The third area is the electric drive system. A 400 kW motor needs a properly matched electrical control and protection system. Cable arrangement, connectors, electrical protection and control logic all need to work together.

The fourth area is the undercarriage. XCMG specifically highlights a mining-strengthened adjustable undercarriage and high-power travel reduction gear. For mining customers, I consider this just as important as the bucket digging force because the machine may spend thousands of hours operating on rough ground.

Finally, I want to see proper testing before shipment. The machine should be checked for hydraulic movement, travel, swing, electrical control, working equipment, safety functions and overall response.

For an overseas customer, there is another layer: transportation.

The official XE870EP dimensions are listed as 4,960 × 13,700 × 4,520 mm. That is a large machine, so shipping cannot be treated like a normal containerized product. The transport method, port, loading arrangement, destination road restrictions and local permits all need to be considered before the machine leaves the factory.

At Ganglong, we work with customers on these practical details. Our business covers equipment R&D, manufacturing, testing, customization and global sales, while Hefei Ganglong International Trade Co., Ltd. focuses on international trade. Our team has experience serving customers across Asia, Africa, America and other regions.

8. Why I Work With Customers on the Complete Project

When someone asks me for the price of an XE870EP Crawler-Type Electric Excavator, I do not want to answer with a number too quickly.

I first want to know what the machine will do.

If the customer is operating an open-pit mine with an existing high-voltage electrical system, my discussion will be very different from a customer building a temporary construction site with limited power availability.

I normally want to know:

• What material will be excavated?

• Is the site a mine, quarry, industrial plant or construction project?

• How many working hours are expected each day?

• How many operating shifts are planned?

• What electrical power supply is available?

• Where will the electrical connection point be located?

• How often will the machine need to move?

• What bucket or attachment is required?

• What are the local electrical safety requirements?

• What transportation method will be used?

• Which spare parts should be prepared?

• What type of after-sales support is available locally?

These questions may look like extra work, but they save time later. An electric excavator is not just a machine. The electrical system around it is part of the project.

Ganglong also supplies and supports a range of construction and mining machinery, including HKLOONG excavators, loaders, Backhoe loaders and swamp excavators, as well as equipment from brands such as Hitachi, SANY, Lonking, Hyundai, XCMG, SHANMON and LOVOL.

That wider product experience helps us understand that customers do not always need one machine. Sometimes they need an excavator, loader, attachments, spare parts and transportation support as one package.

For international buyers, our role also includes practical export issues such as shipping arrangements, documentation, destination requirements and communication during delivery.

9. XE870EP FAQ

Is the XE870EP a battery-electric excavator?

No. The XE870EP is a tethered electric excavator. XCMG's official specifications do not list an onboard battery capacity for this model. The machine receives electrical power through an external supply.

What is the electric motor power of the XE870EP?

XCMG lists the rated/peak power at 400 kW. This provides the main electric power for the machine's heavy-duty excavation system.

What is the bucket capacity?

The official standard bucket capacity is 5.98 m³. The final bucket configuration should be selected according to the material and working condition.

What is the bucket digging force?

XCMG lists the maximum bucket digging force at 474 kN. This is one of the key specifications to consider when the excavator will work with hard soil, rock or other compact materials.

What is the maximum digging radius?

The current XCMG specification lists a maximum digging radius of 12,320 mm. Actual working range depends on the final working equipment configuration.

Does the XE870EP need charging?

It does not use the same battery-charging process as a battery-electric excavator. The XE870EP is designed to receive electrical power externally while operating. The project therefore needs suitable electrical infrastructure rather than a conventional battery charging schedule.

Is the XE870EP suitable for mining?

Its configuration is suitable for evaluating heavy-duty mining and quarry applications. The large bucket, 474 kN bucket digging force, 400 kW electric power system and reinforced mining-type undercarriage are relevant to this type of work. Final suitability depends on the material, terrain, power infrastructure and working cycle.

What is the biggest advantage of a tethered electric excavator?

For me, the biggest advantage is the ability to use continuous external electrical power without carrying a large onboard battery. This can be useful in fixed or semi-fixed working areas with suitable electrical infrastructure.

Is the XE870EP easy to move around a large construction site?

This depends on the site layout. Because it is a tethered electric machine, cable management becomes part of the operating plan. For a fixed mine or quarry, this can be manageable. For a project where the excavator moves constantly over long distances, I would compare the XE870EP with diesel or battery-electric alternatives.

How much can the XE870EP save compared with a diesel excavator?

XCMG states that the tethered electric system can reduce usage costs by more than 50% compared with a traditional fuel system under its stated conditions. This should not be treated as a guaranteed saving for every project. Electricity prices, diesel prices, working hours, utilization and site infrastructure all affect the actual result.

What should I confirm before buying?

I recommend confirming the final machine weight, working equipment, bucket, electrical requirements, cable system, transportation dimensions, destination regulations, spare parts and warranty terms. I would also ask for the final technical specification rather than relying only on a website summary.

Conclusion: When the XE870EP Makes Practical Sense

After looking at the machine from the operator's side, I see the XE870EP Crawler-Type Electric Excavator as a very specific solution rather than simply another “green excavator.”

It is a large machine built around external electric power. The official XCMG specifications list a 400 kW electric motor, 5.98 m³ bucket, 474 kN bucket digging force and 12,320 mm maximum digging radius. Its power architecture does not rely on a large onboard battery.

That makes the machine especially worth considering when the job site already has reliable electrical infrastructure and the excavator spends most of its time within a defined working area.

Mining, quarrying and large industrial projects are the first applications I would discuss. These environments can provide the stable working pattern that a tethered electric excavator needs.

At the same time, I would not recommend choosing the machine simply because it is electric. If the excavator needs to travel long distances every day or frequently move between areas without suitable power access, another power system may fit the project better.

That is the approach I take at Ganglong. I look at the machine, the job site and the complete operating plan together.

For customers searching for an XE870EP Electric Excavator, XE870EP crawler-type electric excavator, large electric mining excavator or tethered electric Hydraulic Excavator, the next step should not simply be asking for a brochure. I recommend preparing the working conditions, power supply information, material type, required bucket and expected working hours first.

Once those details are clear, we can work out whether the XE870EP configuration fits the project, what electrical infrastructure is required and how the machine can be transported and supported after delivery.

Technical note: The specifications in this article are based on XCMG's publicly available product information accessed in September 2026. XCMG's current public pages show a discrepancy in the displayed XE870EP machine-weight information: one page displays 8.8 t while another lists 88,000 kg. Because this difference materially affects transport and project planning, buyers should confirm the final operating weight and complete technical configuration with the supplier before purchase.