Hey Satisfactory engineers! Ever feel like you're stuck in the Stone Age, constantly hoofing it across the alien landscape? Well, fear not! Setting up a tractor in Satisfactory is your first step towards automation nirvana. These trusty, albeit sometimes quirky, vehicles are essential for transporting resources and setting up early-game logistics. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your tractor operational, from the basics to some helpful tips and tricks. So, buckle up, because we're about to ride into the sunset of efficient resource management!

Understanding the Basics of Tractors

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of tractor setup in Satisfactory, let's get acquainted with these workhorses. Tractors are the entry-level automated vehicles in the game. They’re relatively slow and have a limited carrying capacity compared to their bigger siblings like the trucks and trains. However, their low cost and ease of use make them a fantastic choice for early-game setups. They're perfect for moving raw materials from your miners to your constructors or smelters. Plus, setting them up is a great way to learn the basics of automated transport in Satisfactory.

Here are some key things to keep in mind about tractors:

• Cost: Tractors require a vehicle base, a seat, and a fuel generator to produce. The materials for these components are generally easy to gather in the early game, making tractors a readily available option.
• Capacity: Each tractor can carry a limited number of items, so you'll need to consider how many tractors you need based on your production needs. Consider using multiple tractors for larger volumes.
• Fuel: Tractors run on solid biofuel at first, which you can make from biomass. As you progress, you can upgrade to other fuels like coal, which will keep your vehicles running for longer periods.
• Automation: Once you've set up a tractor route, it will automatically drive between the specified waypoints, transporting resources without your constant supervision. This is the beauty of Satisfactory's automation!
• Terrain: Be careful where you set up your routes. Tractors can get stuck on particularly rough terrain or obstacles. Plan your routes carefully to avoid any potential problems.

Now that you know the basics, let's get into the step-by-step guide to setting up your tractor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tractor Setup

Alright, guys, let's get those tractors rolling! Setting up a tractor in Satisfactory is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of planning. Here's a breakdown of the steps:

1. Building the Tractor and Fueling It Up

First things first, you need a tractor! Head over to your crafting menu and build one. You’ll need the vehicle base, the seat, and a fuel generator. Once you have your tractor, place it on the ground. Next, fill the fuel generator with solid biofuel. You can create this biofuel from biomass collected from plants and trees. Be sure to collect enough biomass to keep your tractor running until you can establish a more sustainable fuel source, like coal.

2. Setting Up Waypoints

Now for the fun part: setting up the route! Get into the driver's seat of your tractor. You should see a new set of controls on your screen. The most important control for us right now is the waypoint control. Waypoints are the different stops your tractor will make along its route. To set a waypoint, drive your tractor to the desired location and press the waypoint button. You'll see a small marker appear at that location, indicating a waypoint has been set. The tractor will automatically drive between all of the waypoints you set up.

• Planning Your Route: Before setting waypoints, take some time to plan your route. Consider where your resources are (e.g., your miner), where you want them delivered (e.g., your constructors), and any obstacles the tractor might encounter. Try to create a route that's as straight as possible to save time and reduce the chances of the tractor getting stuck.
• Adding Waypoints: Add waypoints at both your pickup and drop-off locations, plus any turns or strategic locations along your route. You can add as many waypoints as you need to make your route work.

3. Setting the Schedule

Once you’ve established your waypoints, it's time to set a schedule. This determines the tractor's operational hours. You can set the schedule to run continuously or have it start and stop at certain times. Setting a schedule lets you control when your resources are being moved, optimizing your factory’s efficiency.

4. Loading and Unloading

Now, how does this actually work with getting resources in and out? To load and unload resources automatically, you'll need to use either storage containers at your pickup and delivery locations, or directly connect the tractor to machines that produce/consume resources. Place storage containers at the first and last waypoints, or connect directly with the buildings.

• Storage Containers: Place storage containers at both the pickup and drop-off locations. When the tractor arrives at a pickup point, it will automatically load resources from the containers. At the drop-off point, it will unload the resources into the designated storage. You can have multiple storage containers for a single drop-off point, which lets the tractor unload many items.
• Direct Connection: You can directly connect the tractor to buildings using the in-game conveyors, which are the belts you use to transport resources. This works great for directly feeding resources into constructors or other machines. This will also require you to set up the appropriate conveyors.

5. Starting the Tractor

Once you've set up your route, fuel, and storage, it's time to put your tractor to work! Get back into the driver's seat, make sure the schedule is set, and turn on the tractor. The tractor will automatically start following the route you've established, transporting resources between your waypoints. Now it's time to sit back and watch the automation magic unfold!

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Okay, now that you know how to set up the basics, here are a few advanced tips and tricks to make your tractor setup even more efficient and awesome:

1. Optimize Your Routes

• Minimize Turns: Every turn adds time to your tractor's journey. Try to make your routes as straight as possible.
• Avoid Obstacles: Check your routes for any potential obstacles. If you're using vehicles, they can get stuck in the terrain.
• Consider Traffic: If you plan on using multiple tractors, make sure your routes don't cross each other in a way that will cause them to collide or get stuck.

2. Use Conveyor Belts Effectively

• Direct Feeding: As mentioned earlier, directly feeding resources from the tractor to your machines can significantly speed up your production lines. This eliminates the need for extra storage containers.
• Belt Capacity: Make sure your conveyor belts have enough capacity to handle the throughput of the tractor. Otherwise, your machines may eventually stop working, or the tractor may have trouble unloading all the resources.

3. Upgrade Your Fuel

• Coal Power: Solid biofuel is good for starting out, but it's not very efficient. As soon as possible, switch to coal. It provides much more energy and keeps your tractors running for much longer.
• Later-Game Fuels: In the later stages of the game, you can switch to more advanced fuels like fuel or even nuclear fuel for maximum efficiency. Make sure to keep the tractor's fuel generator updated to accommodate the use of these fuels.

4. Manage Your Fleet

• Number of Tractors: The number of tractors you need depends on your production needs. Start with a single tractor and add more as necessary. You'll likely need more tractors to keep up with the demands of an expanding factory.
• Route Monitoring: Keep an eye on your tractor routes. Make sure your tractors aren't getting stuck and that your production lines are running smoothly. If you encounter any problems, you may need to adjust your route or add more tractors.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Tractor Stuck: If your tractor gets stuck, try rerouting it or manually driving it back to the last waypoint. If it gets stuck frequently, it is probably time to adjust the route.
• Fuel Issues: If your tractor stops running, check the fuel generator to make sure it's fueled and turned on. If the fuel runs out, the tractor will stop and remain there until you refuel it again.
• Loading/Unloading Problems: If your tractor isn't loading or unloading, check your storage containers and conveyor belts. Make sure that the storage containers are connected correctly and that the belts are set to the correct flow of items.

Conclusion: Automate and Conquer!

There you have it, folks! You now know how to get those tractors set up in Satisfactory. This is just the beginning. Setting up these vehicles is a cornerstone in your journey to build a thriving, automated factory. Remember to plan your routes carefully, choose the right fuel, and keep an eye on your production lines. With a little bit of planning and effort, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Satisfactory automation master. Now go forth, build, and automate! Happy engineering, and have fun building!