Product Reviews · Underground Tunnelling Equipment · 19 min read

Epiroc XE3C Review: Three-Boom Underground Drilling Rig Specifications & Buyer Guide

The advertised Epiroc XE3C is a used 2018 three-boom underground face-drilling rig located in Billingham, United Kingdom. The seller reports 4,030 diesel-engine hours, three COP 3038 rock drills, 20 ft feed beams, a service basket, central lubrication, 50 Hz configuration and CE marking. It is a substantial drill-and-blast tunnelling machine whose value depends on boom condition, rock-drill history, electrical compatibility and the scope of the commercial package.

Epiroc XE3C listing details at a glance

Every entry should be matched to the machine’s serial number and data plates. Epiroc documents the wider Boomer E3 family with configurations and options that may differ from this individual unit.

What is the Epiroc Boomer XE3C?

The Boomer XE3C is a large hydraulic face-drilling jumbo for drill-and-blast excavation. Three articulated booms position rock drills across a planned face pattern. After holes are drilled, the rig withdraws and the project’s authorised blasting, ventilation, scaling, mucking and support sequence continues.

This arrangement is suited to large underground headings where multiple booms can increase drilling coverage and reduce repositioning. Productivity still depends on face geometry, drill plan, rock conditions, steel and bit selection, operator skill, maintenance, services and cycle coordination.

Face-drilling jumbo versus tunnel boring machine

The marketplace calls this a tunnel boring machine because that is its sales category. Technically, the XE3C is a face-drilling jumbo. It drills blast holes; it does not continuously excavate the complete tunnel profile using a full-face rotating cutterhead. Keeping that distinction clear helps buyers compare the right equipment and plan the correct supporting fleet.

Three booms and drilling coverage

The seller identifies three drilling booms, and a detailed specification associated with this machine identifies BUT 45 L booms. Epiroc describes the Boomer E3 family as suitable for medium-to-large tunnels with coverage up to 198 m². That figure is a model-family capability, not a promise that every face can be drilled without repositioning.

Inspect boom structures, welds, pins, bushes, cylinders, hoses, joints and positioning accuracy. Cycle all booms across their range and check for drift, binding, excessive play and control faults. Confirm that geometric calibration and any drilling-control functions remain available.

COP 3038 rock drills and recorded hours

Machine 1 is described with three COP 3038 rock drills. The seller reports percussion hours of 4,834, 4,987 and 4,946. These are not the same as the 4,030 diesel-engine hours because drilling commonly uses electric-hydraulic power while the diesel engine supports tramming and other activity.

Request rebuild histories, lubrication records, accumulator and seal work, shank-adaptor usage and recent performance data for every drill. A live drilling test can reveal impact, rotation, flushing, penetration and leakage issues that an exterior inspection cannot establish.

Operating-hour profile

Ask the seller to explain how the rig records each hour category and provide Track 5, Rig Control System or equivalent machine data where available. Compare digital records with service invoices and physical wear.

20 ft feeder beams and hole depth

The advertisement states 20 ft feeder beams. An associated detailed specification identifies BMH 6920 feeds and a maximum hole depth of approximately 5,843 mm. Confirm the actual feed model, rod arrangement and usable drilling depth on this rig.

Inspect each beam for straightness, impact damage, guide and wear-strip condition, feed-chain or cable condition, tension, lubrication and secure mounting. Check drill-steel supports and confirm what steel, bits, adapters and handling accessories are included.

Carrier, engine and tramming

The detailed seller specification associates this configuration with a Deutz TCD 2013 L06 diesel engine rated at 173 kW and a 150-litre tank. Epiroc model information states flat-ground tramming above 15 km/h, above 5 km/h on a 1:8 incline and gradeability of 1:4 under defined conditions. Verify the exact engine and carrier data for the listed serial number.

Begin inspection from a cold start. Check smoke, fluid condition, temperatures, leaks, warning messages, service history, brakes, steering, tyres, axles and articulation. A tunnelling rig’s low annual travel distance does not mean its carrier has experienced light duty.

Electrical compatibility and cable system

The listing specifies 50 Hz, while the associated technical information describes a 1,000 V system. Epiroc documentation shows that Boomer E3 configurations can be supplied for different voltages and cable arrangements. Treat the exact supply as a purchase-critical fact.

Confirm rated voltage, frequency, cable type and length, connector standard, cable-reel condition, earthing, protection, isolation and mine distribution compatibility. Engage a competent high-voltage engineer to assess transformer capacity and protection coordination. Never assume that a unit can connect directly to the destination site.

Compressor, water and flushing services

The associated specification lists an Atlas Copco GAR 5 compressor rated at 26 l/s at 9 bar and a Johnson booster pump with maximum capacity of 750 l/min at 30 bar. Confirm these components and their condition. Site water pressure, quality, filtration and drainage must support reliable flushing and dust control.

Test compressor output, pump performance, valves, filters, hoses and leakage. Establish service-water requirements early because inadequate flow or contaminated water can affect drilling performance and component life.

Cab, controls and service basket

Inspect glazing, access, seat and restraint, visibility, lighting, climate control, cameras, emergency stops, fire protection and all operator interfaces. Confirm the control-system version, diagnostics, drilling plans, stored data and whether software or licences will transfer.

The seller lists a service basket. Inspect its structure, gates, controls, interlocks, emergency lowering, load markings and certification status. Use it only within the manufacturer’s instructions and the destination site’s lifting and work-at-height requirements.

Applications that may suit the XE3C

• Large drill-and-blast road, rail and utility tunnels.
• Underground mine development and access headings.
• Hydropower caverns and water-conveyance tunnels.
• Large underground chambers and infrastructure headings.
• Projects that can support a three-boom jumbo with suitable electrical, water, ventilation and maintenance resources.

Suitability depends on profile, rock mass, blast design, hole diameter and depth, ground-support cycle, ventilation, transport clearance and service infrastructure. Verify the project match before negotiating equipment price.

Used XE3C inspection priorities

• Confirm serial number, ownership documents and the exact machine included in the offer.
• Review service records, fault history and electronic machine data.
• Cold-start and function-test the engine and carrier.
• Inspect booms, welds, pins, bushes, cylinders and positioning accuracy.
• Check all three feed beams, wear components and rod-handling equipment.
• Live-test each COP 3038 drill under controlled conditions.
• Inspect pumps, hydraulics, compressor and water system.
• Test steering, brakes, tyres, lighting, alarms and emergency stops.
• Verify the complete high-voltage specification and cable reel.
• Inspect the service basket and its safety functions.
• Inventory manuals, tools, drill steel, spares, software and licences.
• Document transport dimensions, weight and dismantling requirements.

Weight and transport planning

The live listing reports a 53,000 kg net weight. Epiroc’s current Boomer E3 technical sheet gives a configuration-dependent XE3 gross-weight range of approximately 47,000–53,000 kg. Another detailed seller page associated with the machine has shown 43,100 kg, so obtain a certified, configuration-specific transport weight rather than relying on a single web figure.

Confirm the rig’s transport length, width and height, boom position, cable-reel arrangement, axle loads and whether components require removal. Develop lifting and securing plans using approved points and competent heavy-haul specialists.

Product location: Billingham, United Kingdom

Location affects inspection access, inland haulage, port selection, export formalities, cleaning, loading, shipping cost and delivery time. Confirm whether the machine can be demonstrated with power, water and drilling functions at the stated location.

Shipping, export and delivery terms

The marketplace shows remote-inspection and vehicle-delivery service labels, but the listing does not define delivery territories, freight prices, ports, Incoterms, insurance, customs support or destination commissioning. Request a written quotation.

Clarify whether the sale is EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF or another term; who dismantles and loads the rig; verified dimensions and weight; inland haulage; departure port; cleaning; marine insurance; export documents; customs responsibilities; destination charges; reassembly; commissioning; training and spare-parts support.

Current seller offer — Verified 1 November 2026

Official Epiroc XE3C video

The following official Epiroc Underground Mining and Tunneling video shows a Boomer XE3C at work. It features a COP 4038-equipped configuration, so it provides model-family and application context rather than evidence about the advertised COP 3038 machine’s condition.

Questions to ask before contacting the seller

• Does the displayed €375,000 apply to Machine 1 or another package arrangement?
• What is the full serial number and ownership history?
• Can the 4,030 engine hours and all drill hours be verified from machine data?
• What work has been completed on each COP 3038 rock drill?
• Are all three booms and 20 ft feeds straight, calibrated and fully functional?
• Which control system, software, automation and licences are included?
• What exact voltage, frequency, cable and connector standard apply?
• What compressor and water-system components are fitted?
• Is the service basket certified and fully operational?
• Can an independent technician conduct a powered and live-drilling inspection?
• Which manuals, tools, spares, rods and bits are included?
• Why have different online specifications shown different weights?
• What transport configuration and lifting plan does the seller recommend?
• Which delivery territories and export services are supported?
• What Incoterm, loading, insurance and customs responsibilities apply?
• Who will handle reassembly, commissioning and training at destination?

Frequently asked questions

What is an Epiroc XE3C?

The Epiroc Boomer XE3C is a three-boom hydraulic face-drilling rig designed for drill-and-blast development in medium-to-large underground headings and tunnels.

Is the XE3C a tunnel boring machine?

The marketplace classifies it as a tunnel boring machine, but it is more accurately a face-drilling jumbo. It drills a pattern of blast holes rather than excavating the full tunnel face with a rotating cutterhead.

How many drilling booms does the listed XE3C have?

The seller describes three drilling booms, each equipped with a COP 3038 rock drill. Confirm the boom model and complete configuration from the machine data and service records.

What drilling coverage is associated with the XE3C?

Epiroc states that the Boomer E3 family, including XE3 configurations, can cover tunnel cross-sections up to 198 square metres. Actual coverage depends on the specific booms, feeds, setup and face geometry.

What is the maximum stated hole depth?

A detailed specification associated with this 20 ft feed configuration states approximately 5,843 mm. Confirm rod length, drilling system and the delivered configuration.

How many engine hours are shown?

The advertisement reports 4,030 diesel engine hours for Machine 1. Percussion and electric hours are recorded separately because they measure different operating activities.

Where is the machine located?

The listing places the machine in Billingham, United Kingdom. It does not publish the exact inspection or collection point in the product summary.

What power supply does it require?

The seller states 50 Hz, and the associated specification describes a 1,000 V system. Confirm voltage, frequency, cable, connector, earthing and protection requirements before purchase.

Is delivery included?

The marketplace displays a vehicle-delivery service, but the listing does not define delivery areas, freight rates, ports, Incoterms or what is included. Request a written transport and export quotation.

Does the displayed price cover all three machines?

The listing shows a price for the referenced advertisement while also describing a package deal with three machines available. Buyers should ask whether the displayed price applies to Machine 1 only or to another commercial arrangement.

What should be inspected before purchase?

Priorities include the three booms, feed beams, COP rock drills, hydraulic system, electrical equipment, cable reel, carrier, brakes, steering, controls, service basket, compressor, water system and service records.

Is this a hands-on review?

No. This is a desk-based buyer guide based on the live seller listing, selected advertiser images and reputable Epiroc model-family information.

Final assessment

The listed Epiroc XE3C combines three booms, seller-stated COP 3038 rock drills, 20 ft feeds and detailed operating-hour categories in a platform designed for large drill-and-blast headings. Its Billingham location and advertised delivery support may help international planning, subject to a written commercial scope.

A strong purchase decision will rest on far more than model name and price. Verify machine identity, drill history, boom accuracy, electrical compatibility, weight and shipping configuration through an independent technical inspection. If those findings align with the project’s profile and infrastructure, this XE3C could be a credible tunnelling-equipment candidate.

Join the discussion

Would the Epiroc XE3C’s three-boom configuration suit your tunnel or underground development project? Which detail would you verify first—rock-drill hours, electrical compatibility, boom condition or shipping arrangements? Share your experience or question in the comment section below.

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