You may want to define the

You may want to define the timeframe and location for the coal mine as that may radically effect the answer.

I can tell you in the C&O area of WV in the 1940s typically didn’t have a special track for delivery of heavy equipment.  Some had delivery tracks (and that was only those that had the room as in the mountains it was often very tight land.  But mostly it was things like wood for supports and food and explosives and such that were delivered.  The equipment was only rarely brought in.  As at that point not much heavy equipment was used at that time.

-Doug M

Coal tipple non coal ideas

Keep in mind mines, depending on time frame would bring in other materials.

Bagged rock dust or lime, pipe, pumps, conveyor belts and parts, electrical motors and wiring for pumps and belts. Why not bring this by rail?

Not to mention mining equipment like roof bolting machines, low slung machines, and pans.

No reason you cant have a mine get a boxcar of "parts" from a central warehouse and use the spur like a team track. A gon or flat with pipe, steel or a large pump. Box loaded with mine timbers or other materials used inside the shafts. 

One thing Ive thought of is a small RR crane being "loaned" to the mine to help construct a tipple, unload a large shipment of pipe or other equipment. Not only creates a extra movement for the crane and associated cars, but some non coal traffic to the mine.

Some research into your time period may open more ideas. 

Explosives

In addition to Randy's comment, explosives (bagged 50-lb sacks) would be delivered by either truck or rail. If your mine is relatively inaccessible to over-the-road trucks, it might be easier to have a sort of team track for unloading. The amount of explosives used is a relatively common and heavy commodity; using 20,000+ lbs at a time isn't uncommon.

Also, don't forget that many large industries have a small stub-ended siding for a local switcher, RIP track, or unloading singular cars.

Mine sites don't receive equipment so often as to require a dedicated machinery track; I'd imagine that they'd use the RIP track or an unused track near a tipple. When machinery does arrive by rail (former CAT employee here), it comes in a lot of sections at one time. There's also other equipment to deal with, such as conveyors, rock crushers, and washers, depending on the location and timeframe.

Space being tight

Hi,

Space being tight, and mines depend on coal being sent out, I would find it hard to imagine they used their "primary tipple track" for unloading supplies or explosives. However, having a box car or a flat car with supplies at the far end of a string of empties does seem logical. Yes, it does take up space, but the tipple is able to keep tipping coal into empty hoppers.

As for using a crane, while I think that would be a very interesting operation, I'd guess that most erecting work would be done at the mine entrance rather than at the tipple. I always find it amazing what things are erected just with the help of an overhead beam. Where I would have long called for a crane, experienced mechanics just use a tiny winch and some creative lifting...

Have fun and stay healthy...

Mine Structures

I model the Unity Railways near Pittsburgh.  They served the Renton Mine.

There were two sidings the served the support buildings which included a repair shop for the mine cars (40" gauge), and a mine equipment maintenance building. These ran beside the loading tracks  and stopped short of the Tipple.Additionally there was a miner's Change House. A Hoist Structure (and a boiler house, if steam operated) and Ventilation Fan House are needed.  A Powder House is also appropriate.  Add an office and you have a complete scene. 

Hope this helps.