The invention discloses an engineering machine data collecting system and method. The engineering machine data collecting system comprises an engineering machine controller and an upper computer, wherein the engineering machine controller is used for detecting performance data signals of a signal source on an engineering machine and transmitting the data signals after preset processing to the upper computer; the upper computer is used for storing, displaying and analyzing the performance data signals. Compared with most of existing professional data collecting instruments, the engineering machine controller has a more universal signal detection function and the adaptive capacity for various signals, can obtain signals detected through a sensor, motion signals of a control component, and communication signals of a communication component and almost can detect all signal types needed by the engineering machine, so that the signal collecting range of the engineering machine data collecting system is greatly enlarged, signal collecting capacity of the engineering machine data collecting system is greatly enhanced, and dependency on sensor types is reduced.