Abstract: The mathematical model of lift system of 280-B excavator was established.In view of nonlinear and time-varying factors of dynamic characteristics of the system,a design scheme of PID controller based on BP neural network was put forward.The controller has characteristics of classical PID control algorithm and good self-adaptive and anti-jamming capabilities of neural network.The Matlab simulation result showed that the PID controller based on BP neural network has high accuracy and strong adaptability which can get satisfied control effect.