Stockyard Construction Plant and Equipment: 50 Example Fleets by Work Type
This page provides 50 example plant and equipment mixes for different stages of
bulk material stockyard projects – earthworks, slabs, rail and dump pockets, conveyors,
stackers/reclaimers, dust control, drainage, buildings and rehabilitation.
Each card represents a practical plant + equipment fleet that works together as a system.
Use these as starting points when developing methodology‑led estimates, programmes and
Efficient Construction Cost (ECC) models. Always adjust for your specific
material type, throughput, terrain, interface (mine/port/rail) and safety rules.
Site Preparation & Earthworks
1. Greenfield Stockyard Bulk Earthworks
Use case: Create large, flat stockpile pads and haul roads.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 2–3 × 30–50 t excavators
- 6–10 × 25–30 t articulated dump trucks
- 1–2 × Dozers (D8–D10) for bulk push and trim
- 1–2 × Graders
- 2–3 × Smooth drum / padfoot rollers
- 1–2 × Watercarts
2. Cut/Fill Balancing for Stockpile Pads
Use case: Optimise cut/fill to minimise imported/exported material.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 20–30 t excavators
- Articulated dump trucks
- Dozer (D6–D8)
- GPS‑equipped grader
- Padfoot & smooth drum rollers
3. Rockfill Platforms for Heavy Reclaim Equipment
Use case: High‑capacity platforms for stackers/reclaimers.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 30–40 t excavators with rock buckets
- Dump trucks (rigid or ADT)
- Dozer for rock placement
- Sheepsfoot roller (if engineered fill)
4. Brownfield Stockyard Expansion
Use case: Extend existing yard while operations continue nearby.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 20–30 t excavators in constrained workfaces
- Skid steers for tight areas
- Small graders and rollers
- Watercarts with dust suppression controls
Drainage, Liners & Ground Improvement
5. Underdrain System Beneath Stockpile Pads
Use case: Drainage blanket and underdrains beneath stockpiles.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Mini/midi excavators for trenching
- Trench shields where deep trenches
- Plate compactors and small rollers
- Skid steer for gravel placement
6. Surface Drainage Swales & Channels
Use case: Perimeter drains for runoff and leachate collection.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 13–20 t excavator with tilt bucket
- Skid steer for fine shaping
- Compaction plant where required
- Rock placement plant for lined channels (excavator + trucks)
7. Lined Pads for Contaminant Control
Use case: Geosynthetic liners under stockpiles (e.g. coal, ore).
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Smooth drum rollers for subgrade
- Geotextile/geoliner deployment frames
- Wedge welders & extrusion welders
- Sand protection layer placement plant (loaders, dozers)
8. Ground Improvement (Stone Columns / Lime Stabilisation)
Use case: Soft or saturated ground beneath pads and tracks.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Vibro stone column rig or stabiliser/reclaimer
- Binder spreader (cement/lime)
- Loaders for aggregate/binder
- Rollers for proof‑rolling
Slabs, Rails & Civil Structures
9. Stockyard Slabs & Hardstands
Use case: Concrete pads for fixed plant, traffic lanes and maintenance areas.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Grader and roller for basecourse
- Concrete boom or line pump
- Ride‑on trowels and finishing gear
- Light crane/telehandler for rebar & formwork
10. Stackers/Reclaimers Rail Foundations
Use case: Heavy RC beams and plinths supporting machine rails.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 20–30 t excavators
- Compactors (padfoot & smooth drum)
- Formwork systems and crane for reo
- Concrete pump & vibrators
11. Conveyor Gantry Footings in Stockyard
Use case: Footings for yard conveyors, drive stations and galleries.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Mini/midi excavator
- Plate compactor
- Concrete line pump
- Telehandler for formwork and steel
Rail In‑Loading & Dump Facilities
13. Rail Spur & Balloon Loop Earthworks
Use case: New rail loop into stockyard for unit trains.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Earthworks fleet (excavators, dozers, trucks, graders, rollers)
- Ballast train and tracklaying equipment (if installing track)
- Tamping machine and regulator
14. Rail Car Dumper Civil & Mechanical Install
Use case: Rotary or side tippler at stockyard in‑loading station.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Civil plant for tippler foundation and pit (excavators, cranes, pumps)
- 200–400 t mobile crane for tippler drum/equipment
- MEWPs for assembly and access platforms
15. Truck Dump Station Construction
Use case: Truck tip hoppers feeding yard conveyors.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 20–30 t excavator
- Formwork/falsework & concrete pump
- Crane truck for chutes and steelwork
- Skid steer for backfill around structures
Yard Conveyors, Transfer Stations & Dust Control
16. Yard Conveyor Installation
Use case: Conveyor string between in‑loading and stockpiles.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 80–150 t mobile crane for galleries/supports
- Telehandlers for idlers & steelwork
- MEWPs for mechanical installation
17. Transfer Towers & Chute Works
Use case: Transfer house with chutes and dust control.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 80–200 t cranes for tower modules
- MEWPs for chutes and liners
- Hot‑work tools and liner install gear
18. Dust Collection & Enclosure Systems
Use case: Baghouse, filters and hooding at transfer points.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Cranes/telehandlers for duct, filters and fans
- Scaffolds/MEWPs for hood and duct install
- Pipework and electrical tools
19. Water Spray & Fogging Systems
Use case: Dust suppression at crushers, transfers and stockpiles.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Mini excavator or trencher for pipework
- Scissor lifts/MEWPs for spray lines
- Small pumps and hydraulic testing equipment
Stackers, Reclaimers & Stockpile Interface
20. Slewing/Luffing Stacker Installation
Use case: New stacker machine for stockpile building.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 250–600 t crawler or mobile crane(s)
- Telehandlers and forklifts for components
- MEWPs for mechanical & electrical fit‑out
21. Bucket‑Wheel Reclaimer Installation
Use case: High‑capacity yard reclaimer on rails.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Heavy lift cranes (400–800 t) for main assemblies
- Smaller assist cranes
- Skates & jacks for wheel/rail alignment
- MEWPs for booms and luffing systems
22. Dozer‑Tracked Reclaimer Civil & Mechanical
Use case: Slot/hopper structures and conveyors for dozer reclaim.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Civil plant for reclaim tunnels and hoppers
- Conveyor and mechanical install fleet
- Dozers (D8–D10) for reclaim operation (later phase)
23. Mobile Plant Interface Bays
Use case: Loader/stacker interface pads and truck stockpiles.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 20–30 t excavators and graders
- Rollers and watercarts
- Concrete/asphalt crews for hardstands
Buildings, Control Rooms & Utilities
24. Control Room & MCC Buildings
Use case: Electrical and control buildings adjacent to yard.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Mini/midi excavator for footings & services
- Crane truck for building modules (if prefab)
- Scissor lifts/MEWPs for fit‑out
25. Maintenance Workshop & Stores
Use case: Steel shed for plant maintenance and spares.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 80–150 t mobile crane for main frames
- Telehandler for purlins and cladding
- Scissor lifts for internal fit‑out and services
26. Utilities – Power, Water & Compressed Air
Use case: Services to yard conveyors, stackers and buildings.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Mini/midi excavators or trenchers
- Cable drum trailers and pipe laying tools
- Compaction plant
27. Yard Lighting & CCTV
Use case: High‑mast lighting and surveillance around stockpiles.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Cranes/crane trucks for lighting masts
- MEWPs for fixtures and CCTV
- Trenching plant for cables
Dust, Drainage & Environmental Controls
28. Stormwater / Contaminated Water Collection
Use case: Sumps, pits and pipework to treatment ponds.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Mini/midi excavator
- Vacuum truck (service proving & cleanouts)
- Compactors & crane truck for pits
29. Sedimentation Ponds & Drainage Basins
Use case: Ponds for suspended solids and water management.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 20–30 t excavators
- Dozers for pond batters
- Rollers for embankments
- Liner installation gear (if lined)
30. Fixed & Mobile Dust Suppression Systems
Use case: Fog cannons, sprays and water trucks in yard.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Watercarts
- Fog cannon units (fixed or mobile) + crane truck
- Pipework installation plant (mini excavator & tools)
31. Wind Fences & Barriers
Use case: Reduce wind‑blown dust from stockpiles.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Post‑hole augers or mini excavators
- Light crane truck for posts and panels
- Plate compactors
Maintenance, Modifications & Expansions
32. Stockyard Pad Rehabilitation
Use case: Remove fouled material and re‑establish pad levels.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Loaders and dozers
- 20–30 t excavators
- Dump trucks
- Graders and rollers
33. Stackers/Reclaimers Rail Realignment
Use case: Extend or realign machine rails for new yard layout.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Excavators and compactors for ballast/footings
- Rail handling gear (small cranes/telehandlers)
- Survey & lining tools
34. Extra Stockpile Rows / Pad Extensions
Use case: Add more stockpile space within existing facility.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Earthworks plant (excavators, dozers, graders, rollers)
- Drainage plant (mini excavators, compaction)
- Slab/concrete plant for any new hardstands
35. Transfer Tower / Conveyor Upgrades
Use case: Capacity upgrade or chute redesign within yard.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Cranes/telehandlers for steel and chutes
- MEWPs
- Hot‑work and fitting tools
36. Electrical & MCC Upgrades
Use case: Replace drives, MCCs and distribution boards.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Forklifts / pallet jacks
- Small cranes (inside building) or gantries
- Scissor lifts for bus duct & cabling
37. Dust & Noise Mitigation Retrofits
Use case: Retrofit enclosures, noise barriers and silencers.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Scaffolding/MEWPs around transfer points
- Cranes/telehandlers for panels
- Acoustic treatment tools & sealants
Demolition, Decommissioning & Rehabilitation
38. Demolition of Stockyard Structures
Use case: Remove redundant stackers, reclaimers, conveyors and towers.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Heavy lift cranes for large machines
- Smaller cranes and MEWPs for piece‑by‑piece dismantling
- Oxy‑cutting and shears
- Skid steers and trucks for scrap removal
39. Demolition of Rail Tips & Hoppers
Use case: Remove tipplers or hoppers not needed in new flow.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- 30–40 t excavators with shears/pulverisers
- Crane support where required
- Skid steers & trucks for rubble
40. Removing Old Slabs and Pavements
Use case: Strip unwanted hardstands during yard reconfiguration.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Excavators with breakers
- Loaders/skid steers
- Dump trucks
- Rollers for new fill and subgrade
41. Corridor & Pad Rehabilitation
Use case: Restore disused sections of yard to natural or alternate use.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Excavators and dozers for regrading
- Compaction plant
- Topsoil and revegetation plant (hydroseeder, drills)
42. Asset & Hazard Removal (Cables, Services, Tanks)
Use case: Make safe and remove redundant services/equipment.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Mini excavators for trench exposures
- Cable pulling gear, pipe cutting tools
- Crane trucks for tanks and heavy items
43. Emergency Stabilisation After Machine/Stack Collapse
Use case: Respond to structural failure or incident in yard.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Heavy lift cranes for controlled removal
- Excavators with grabs and shears
- Shoring/bracing systems
Special Stockyards & Interfaces
44. Port Stockyards (Wharf Interface)
Use case: Yard linked to wharf conveyors and shiploaders.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Earthworks and pad plant (as earlier)
- Wharf interface plant (crane barges, marine piling if needed)
- Conveyor/shiploader installation fleets
45. Mine ROM & Product Stockyards
Use case: ROM pad and product stockyard at mine site.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Dozers & loaders for pad construction
- Crushers, screens and conveyors (if in‑pit/near pit)
- Stacker/reclaimer installation plant
46. Blending Stockyards
Use case: Multiple rows and chevron/radial stacking for blending.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Additional pads/rails for multiple stackers
- Conveyor and tripper install plant
- Survey & SCADA integration tools
47. Covered Stockpile Domes / Sheds
Use case: Enclosed storage to control dust/moisture.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Heavy lift or tower cranes for dome/shed erection
- MEWPs for cladding and internal works
- Conveyor integration plant inside enclosure
Survey, Monitoring & ECC/TOC Pilot Works
48. Stockpile Survey & Volume Measurement
Use case: Baseline and operational surveys of stockpiles.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Drones with LiDAR/photogrammetry payloads
- Total stations/GNSS for control
- Survey vehicles/ATVs
49. Condition Monitoring Retrofits
Use case: Vibration, temperature and oil condition monitoring for yard machines.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- MEWPs and portable access systems
- Instrumentation & data logger kits
- 4×4 utes for route‑based installation
50. ECC/TOC Pilot Zone for New Stockyard Methodology
Use case: Trial specific plant mix, pad design or reclaim method on a limited area.
Plant & Equipment Mix
- Scaled‑down earthworks and slab fleet for trial pad
- Representative conveyor/stacker equipment where needed
- Instrumentation for productivity, dust and wear monitoring
Need Help Selecting or Optimising Stockyard Plant and Equipment Mixes?
These example fleets are starting points only. On a live stockyard project, the optimal plant and equipment mix depends on:
- Material type (coal, ore, grain, fertiliser, aggregates, etc.) and throughput
- Interfaces with mine, rail, port, conveyors and processing plants
- Ground conditions, drainage, environmental and dust constraints
- Required production, safety constraints and ECC/TOC objectives
We can help you:
- Develop methodology‑led plant and equipment mixes for each stockyard work package
- Align yard staging and machine installation with realistic productivity and Efficient Construction Cost (ECC)
- Compare open vs covered yards, different stack/reclaim methods and dust control options on a time–cost–risk basis
- Feed real project learning back into future stockyard bids and planning
Use the form below to discuss your project.
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