Setting Up a Mulcher on the XCMG XE35E in Single-Acting Hydraulic Mode

[MikePhua]

The XCMG XE35E and Its Hydraulic Capabilities
The XCMG XE35E is a compact excavator designed for versatility in urban construction, landscaping, and forestry applications. Manufactured by XCMG, one of China’s largest construction equipment producers, the XE35E combines a tight tail swing with a robust hydraulic system and a fuel-efficient Yanmar engine. With an operating weight of approximately 8,000 lbs and a dig depth of over 10 feet, it’s often used with specialized attachments such as augers, breakers, and mulchers.
The XE35E features an auxiliary hydraulic circuit capable of supporting both single-acting and double-acting attachments. This flexibility allows operators to switch between tools that require one-way flow (like a mulcher or hammer) and those that need bidirectional control (like a tilt bucket or thumb).
Understanding Single-Acting Hydraulic Mode
Single-acting hydraulic mode refers to a setup where pressurized fluid is delivered to one side of the actuator or motor, while the return flow is either gravity-fed or routed back to the tank without active pressure. This is common in attachments like:

• Rotary mulchers
  
• Hydraulic breakers
  
• Post drivers
  

In this mode, the excavator sends high-pressure fluid through one auxiliary line (typically AUX1), while the return line (AUX2 or a case drain) allows fluid to exit without resistance. The key is ensuring the return path is unrestricted and properly routed to avoid backpressure, which can damage seals or reduce performance.
Configuring the XE35E for a Mulcher Attachment
To set up the XE35E for single-acting operation with a mulcher:

• Identify the pressure line (usually the left-side auxiliary port) and connect it to the mulcher’s inlet
  
• Connect the return line to the outlet port of the mulcher, ensuring it flows directly to the tank or through a low-pressure return circuit
  
• If the mulcher has a case drain, connect it to a dedicated drain port to relieve internal pressure buildup
  
• Set the auxiliary hydraulic mode to single-acting via the control panel or manual valve selector
  
• Adjust flow rate and pressure settings to match the mulcher’s specifications (typically 15–25 GPM at 2,500–3,000 psi)
  

Some operators install inline pressure gauges and flow meters to verify system performance during operation. Others use quick-connect couplers with check valves to prevent reverse flow and protect the excavator’s hydraulic system.
Common Issues and Solutions
Operators may encounter:

• Overheating: Caused by restricted return flow or excessive pressure. Solution: Check hose routing and ensure the return line is not connected to a high-pressure port.
  
• Low mulcher RPM: Often due to insufficient flow. Solution: Increase flow setting in the excavator’s auxiliary control menu or verify pump output.
  
• Hydraulic chatter or vibration: May indicate air in the system or cavitation. Solution: Bleed the lines and inspect for leaks or collapsed hoses.
  
• Attachment stalling: Caused by backpressure or incorrect valve configuration. Solution: Confirm single-acting mode is selected and that the return path is unrestricted.
  

In one forestry job near Melbourne, a contractor fitted a mulcher to an XE35E but experienced frequent stalling. After rerouting the return line directly to the tank and adding a case drain, the issue was resolved, and productivity increased by 40%.
Best Practices for Long-Term Reliability
To ensure safe and efficient operation:

• Use hoses rated for the correct pressure and temperature range
  
• Inspect couplers and seals weekly for wear or leakage
  
• Clean filters and check fluid levels every 100 hours
  
• Avoid running the mulcher at full throttle when not engaged with material
  
• Monitor hydraulic temperature during extended use
  

Some fleets install thermal sensors and automatic shutoff systems to prevent overheating during high-demand tasks.
Field Anecdote and Practical Insight
In Shanghai, a landscaping crew used an XE35E with a flail mulcher to clear roadside vegetation. Initially, the attachment ran sluggishly and overheated. After consulting the hydraulic schematic, they discovered the return line was routed through a flow control valve designed for double-acting tools. Reconfiguring the circuit to single-acting mode and bypassing the valve restored full performance. The crew later added a visual flow indicator to the return line for quick diagnostics.
Conclusion
Setting up a mulcher on the XCMG XE35E in single-acting hydraulic mode requires careful attention to flow direction, pressure settings, and return path configuration. With proper setup and routine monitoring, the excavator can power demanding attachments efficiently and safely. Whether clearing brush or managing vegetation in tight spaces, the XE35E proves its adaptability when matched with the right hydraulic strategy.