Hey guys! Ready to ditch those conveyor belts and explore the world of Satisfactory with a trusty tractor? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your first tractor up and running, from crafting it to setting up automated routes. Let's get rolling!

Crafting Your First Tractor

Before you can cruise around in your very own tractor, you'll need to unlock and craft it. The tractor is unlocked in the Mam research tree, so make sure you're actively progressing through that. You'll need to gather the necessary resources, and here's what you'll need:

• Iron Plates: A core component for many structures and vehicles in Satisfactory. You can produce iron plates by smelting iron ore in a smelter. To get a good supply going, set up a dedicated iron ore miner connected to a smelter, and then feed the plates into your production line.
• Iron Rods: Another essential resource, iron rods are used in a wide variety of recipes. You can create iron rods by crafting them from iron ingots in a constructor. Optimize your production by ensuring a steady flow of iron ingots from your smelters to your constructors.
• Concrete: Used for building foundations and other structures, concrete is crucial for expanding your factory. It's made by combining limestone in a constructor. Automate the limestone extraction and concrete production to keep a healthy stockpile.
• Cable: Used in electrical circuits and various machines, cable is a fundamental resource. Produce cable by combining copper ingots in a constructor. Setting up a dedicated copper mining and smelting operation will ensure you always have enough cable on hand.

Once you have the required materials, head to your trusty constructor, select the tractor recipe, and hit that craft button. Congrats, you're one step closer to automated transportation!

Powering Up Your Tractor

Tractors in Satisfactory don't run on hopes and dreams; they need fuel! Initially, you'll be using biofuel, which can be crafted from various organic materials. Here’s how to keep your tractor fueled and ready to go:

Biofuel Production

Biofuel is your tractor's initial fuel source, and it's relatively easy to produce. You can use a variety of organic materials, such as leaves, wood, and alien organisms. Construct a constructor, select the biofuel recipe, and feed it the necessary organic materials. Remember, automating this process is key to ensuring a continuous fuel supply. As you progress, consider upgrading to more efficient fuel sources like solid biofuel or packaged fuel.

Refueling Your Tractor

To refuel your tractor, simply approach it with biofuel in your inventory and interact with the vehicle. You'll see an option to transfer the fuel. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge, especially during long journeys, to avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. It’s always a good idea to carry extra fuel with you.

Alternate Fuel Sources

As you advance in the game, you'll unlock more efficient fuel options. Solid biofuel, made from compacted organic materials, provides more energy per unit. Eventually, you can transition to packaged fuel, which offers even greater efficiency and can be produced from crude oil. Upgrading to these fuel sources will significantly extend your tractor's range and reduce the frequency of refueling stops. Automating the production of these advanced fuels will be a game-changer for your transportation network.

Setting Up Automated Routes

Now for the fun part: setting up automated routes! This is where the tractor truly shines, allowing you to transport resources without constant manual driving. Follow these steps to create your first route:

Creating a Path

• Manual Driving: First, hop into your tractor and drive the route you want it to follow. This is crucial because the tractor records your movements to create the automated path. Drive carefully and smoothly, especially around obstacles, to ensure the tractor doesn't get stuck later.
• Recording Stops: Along your route, press the "E" key (or your interact key) to record stops. These stops are where the tractor will pause, allowing you to load and unload resources. Plan your stops strategically at your mining outposts and production facilities to optimize resource flow.
• Completing the Loop: Once you've reached the end of your route, drive back to the starting point and record another stop. This completes the loop, and the tractor will now continuously follow this path. Ensure the starting and ending points align perfectly to avoid any glitches in the automated route.

Loading and Unloading

• Connecting Storage: At each stop, you'll need to set up storage containers to load and unload resources. Use conveyor belts to connect your miners or production facilities to these storage containers. Make sure the containers are easily accessible for the tractor to transfer items.
• Using the Tractor Interface: When the tractor arrives at a stop, it will automatically attempt to transfer resources based on its inventory configuration. You can adjust the settings in the tractor's interface to specify which resources to load and unload at each stop. Experiment with different configurations to find the most efficient setup for your specific needs.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Clear Obstacles: Before activating the automated route, ensure the path is clear of any obstacles, such as rocks, trees, or wild creatures. The tractor isn't very good at navigating around unexpected barriers.
• Smooth Turns: Sharp turns can cause the tractor to get stuck or veer off course. Try to create smooth, wide turns when recording the route. You can also adjust the tractor's speed settings to improve its handling.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep an eye on your tractor's condition. Damage from collisions or environmental hazards can slow it down or even disable it. Repair your tractor regularly to keep it running smoothly.

Optimizing Your Tractor Routes

Once you have a basic route set up, you can optimize it for greater efficiency. Here are a few tips to maximize your tractor's performance:

Utilizing Multiple Tractors

Don't limit yourself to just one tractor! As your factory expands, you'll likely need multiple vehicles to handle the increased transportation demands. Coordinate multiple tractors to work on different routes, or even have them work together on a single, high-volume route. Managing multiple tractors can be complex, but the increased throughput is well worth the effort.

Refining Stop Locations

The placement of your stops can significantly impact the efficiency of your routes. Experiment with different stop locations to minimize travel time and maximize loading/unloading speed. Consider factors such as the distance to resource nodes, the capacity of storage containers, and the flow of resources within your factory. Fine-tuning your stop locations can lead to significant improvements in overall productivity.

Upgrading Infrastructure

Investing in better infrastructure can also enhance your tractor routes. Upgrading to faster conveyor belts can speed up the loading and unloading process. Building dedicated loading/unloading stations with automated sorting systems can further streamline the flow of resources. These upgrades require significant investment, but they can dramatically improve the efficiency of your transportation network.

Advanced Tractor Tips and Tricks

Ready to take your tractor game to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you become a Satisfactory tractor master:

Using the Interactive Map

The interactive map is an invaluable tool for planning and managing your tractor routes. Use the map to identify resource nodes, plan optimal paths, and track the movement of your tractors. The map also allows you to create custom markers and annotations, which can be helpful for coordinating multiple vehicles and managing complex routes. Familiarize yourself with the interactive map to gain a strategic advantage in your transportation network.

Incorporating Train Networks

As your factory grows, you may want to consider transitioning to train networks for long-distance transportation. While tractors are great for short to medium-distance routes, trains offer greater capacity and efficiency for transporting large volumes of resources over long distances. You can integrate your tractor routes with your train networks to create a comprehensive transportation system. Use tractors to transport resources from remote mining outposts to central train stations, and then use trains to transport those resources to your main factory.

Dealing with Terrain

Satisfactory's terrain can be challenging for tractors, especially in mountainous or heavily forested areas. Use foundations to create smooth, level paths for your tractors to follow. This will prevent them from getting stuck or damaged. You can also use explosives to clear obstacles and create shortcuts through difficult terrain. Be careful when using explosives, as they can damage your tractors and other structures.

Conclusion

And there you have it! With this guide, you should be well on your way to setting up efficient and automated tractor routes in Satisfactory. Remember to experiment, optimize, and most importantly, have fun building your dream factory! Now go forth and conquer those resources, one automated route at a time! Happy building, pioneers!