Hey Satisfactory engineers! Let's talk about tractors – those trusty, fuel-guzzling machines that are essential for automating your factory in the early game. Setting up your tractor correctly is super important to maximize efficiency and minimize headaches, especially when you're just starting out. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up your tractor in Satisfactory, from the basics of obtaining one to setting up complex logistics.

Getting Your First Tractor: The Basics

Alright, guys, before we can even think about setting up a tractor, we need to actually get one. Thankfully, this is pretty straightforward in Satisfactory. You'll need to unlock the Tractor in the MAM (MAM is the awesome Machine Assembly Machine, it unlocks different technologies). You can unlock the Tractor by researching the Vehicular Transport technology in the MAM, which requires some basic resources like Iron Ingots and Reinforced Iron Plates. Once you've got that unlocked, you can craft your very first Tractor at the Equipment Workshop.

Now, about the Equipment Workshop, it's the place where you build your Tractors, along with other essential items such as the Portable Miner and Xeno-Zapper. You will need to bring the resources required to build the Tractor to the Equipment Workshop. The resources needed will be shown on the Equipment Workshop menu. Constructing the Tractor itself takes a bit of time, so plan accordingly. Once your Tractor is finished, it'll appear in front of the workshop, ready for action! Make sure to grab some fuel, such as Solid Biofuel or Coal, because your Tractor won't run on fresh air.

Now you've got your first Tractor, congratulations! You can find the Tractor on the Equipment Workshop menu and select it to place it on the ground. Be careful where you place it, and ensure that the Tractor has enough space around it to move freely. Now, you’re ready to start automating resource gathering and transport. Let's get to setting it up!

Fueling Your Tractor: Keeping the Wheels Turning

Okay, so you've got your shiny new Tractor, but a Tractor is useless without fuel. Satisfactory gives you several options for fueling your machines, and your Tractor is no different. You'll need to keep it supplied with fuel to keep it running smoothly. Let's explore the fuel options for your Tractor and how to implement them effectively.

Initially, the easiest fuel option is Solid Biofuel. It's made from biomass, which you can harvest from plants. You can gather Biomass from foliage, then convert it into Solid Biofuel at a Crafting Bench. Solid Biofuel is a great starter fuel, since it's easy to obtain early in the game. But as your factory grows, you'll want something more efficient.

As you progress, you'll gain access to more advanced fuel sources. Coal is a major upgrade. You can find Coal deposits scattered across the map. You'll need to mine them with a Portable Miner or an Automated Miner and then transport it to your Tractor. Coal burns longer than Solid Biofuel, which means fewer trips to refuel and more time for your Tractor to do its work. Simply put Coal in the fuel slot of the Tractor.

Later on, you'll be able to unlock even more efficient fuels. For instance, the Fuel and Turbo Fuel that is made by refining Crude Oil. These fuels provide a significant boost in performance and running time, which means less time spent refueling and more time spent automating. If you are starting to move from the early game to the mid-game, you should transition from Coal to these new fuels as soon as possible. Making the proper upgrades and adapting to the new fuel types is crucial for optimizing your Tractor network.

Ultimately, the best fuel for your Tractor will depend on your base's stage and resource availability. However, regardless of the fuel you use, keeping your Tractor fueled is essential for keeping your factory running. Ensure a steady fuel supply to avoid unexpected shutdowns. If the Tractor runs out of fuel, it will simply stop. Make sure to keep your supply chain filled.

Setting Up a Simple Resource Transport Route

Alright, now for the fun part: setting up a Tractor route. The basic idea is to get your Tractor to automatically transport resources from a source to a destination. Let's start with a simple setup: transporting Iron Ore from a node to your base.

First, you need to find an Iron Ore node. Satisfactory's map has various Iron Ore nodes all around. The easiest ones to use are often the ones near your starting area. Once you find a suitable node, place a Miner on it. Make sure the Miner is powered. You can use the Miner's menu to check if it has power. Without power, the Miner will not work.

Next, you'll need a Storage Container at the Miner's output and another one at your base. Place the Storage Container next to the Miner. Now do the same at your base. The Storage Container should be close to the Tractor's route. This will make it easier for the Tractor to access. If the Storage Containers are far away from your base, then the trip will be longer and less efficient.

Then, hop into your Tractor. You'll notice it has a small inventory. This is where the Tractor will carry your goods. Drive your Tractor to the Miner and get as close to the Storage Container as possible. Open the Tractor's inventory, and manually fill it with Iron Ore from the Storage Container. Make sure your Storage Container is filled.

Now, drive your Tractor to your base and unload the Iron Ore into the Storage Container there. Once it's all unloaded, you can begin the automation process. You don't need to manually fill and unload your Tractor forever, thankfully. This process is just to get you started. Now, let’s build an automated system so we don’t have to do that manually.

To make this fully automated, you'll need to set up a loop. Go back to the Miner with your Tractor. Instead of manually filling it, drive it close to the Storage Container and leave it running. The Tractor should now constantly pick up Iron Ore. Your Tractor will now automatically move back and forth, from the Miner to your base, and back again. If your Storage Container runs out of space, the Tractor will stop. So make sure to have enough space to handle the inflow.

Advanced Tractor Automation: Using Smart Splitters and Loadouts

As your factory grows, you'll likely want more complex and efficient Tractor setups. This is where Smart Splitters and loadouts come in. Smart Splitters allow you to direct specific items to specific destinations, which is super helpful for managing multiple resource flows with a single Tractor.

Smart Splitters are unlocked in the Tier 3 of the Hub. Place the Smart Splitter next to the Storage Container at the Miner and at your base. You can specify different outputs. For example, you can set one output for Iron Ore and another one for other materials. This lets you combine different resources on a single route, maximizing the efficiency of your Tractor. This means you'll need fewer Tractors overall.

Loadouts let you define the items your Tractor carries. They are a game changer in Tractor automation. Loadouts let you specify what goes where. For example, if you want your Tractor to carry only Iron Ore, you can set that up in the loadout. You can also specify the amounts. Loadouts are essential to complex setups. Without them, you would have to manually load up the Tractor every time.

Loadouts and Smart Splitters significantly increase your Tractor's versatility. With these tools, you can create intricate logistics networks that move multiple resources between various locations. You can design a Tractor route to transport Iron Ore, Coal, and Limestone at the same time. This is more efficient than individual Tractors for each resource. Remember, efficiency is the name of the game in Satisfactory!

Troubleshooting Common Tractor Issues

Even with the best planning, you might run into some hiccups with your Tractors. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

• Tractor Stuck: Tractors can get stuck on terrain or objects. This can be annoying, but it's a common issue. If your Tractor is stuck, try nudging it with a vehicle or simply demolishing it and rebuilding it. Also, make sure that the path you set up is clear, without any obstacles.
• Fuel Issues: If your Tractor isn't moving, check the fuel. Make sure it has fuel and that the fuel supply is reaching it. Also, check to see if the Tractor type you are using is compatible with the type of fuel you are trying to use. Some Tractors may require a specific fuel to operate.
• Pathfinding Problems: Tractors don't always take the most optimal route. Sometimes, they might get confused or take a very long route. Carefully plan your routes and consider using ramps or foundations to create a smoother path. If you are using a complicated route, you may have to rebuild it.
• Inventory Full: Tractors can only carry a limited amount of resources. If your Tractor isn't loading, check if the Storage Container at the source has enough room, or if the Tractor itself has enough space. Use Smart Splitters to keep your inventory organized.

By keeping these common issues in mind, you will find it easier to keep your Tractors running smoothly. You can quickly fix any problems that come up. If the solutions above don't work, then you should try restarting the game, or reloading your save file.

Maximizing Tractor Efficiency: Tips and Tricks

Alright, let's wrap up with some bonus tips to get the most out of your Tractors in Satisfactory.

• Plan Your Routes: Take time to plan your Tractor routes. Avoid rough terrain and obstructions. Use foundations and ramps to build smooth pathways. Smooth routes mean faster Tractor travel and better efficiency. Good planning will save you time and resources in the long run.
• Use Multiple Tractors: For high-demand resources, use multiple Tractors to transport resources. This will increase the overall throughput and speed up the process. Tractors are relatively cheap and easy to make, so don't hesitate to use more of them.
• Monitor Your Network: Keep an eye on your Tractor routes and make adjustments as needed. Check for any bottlenecks or slowdowns. Adjust routes or add more Tractors to optimize the network. Regular monitoring will help you maintain optimal performance.
• Experiment with Automation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different automation setups. Try different combinations of Smart Splitters, Loadouts, and Storage Containers. The more you experiment, the better you will get at optimizing your Tractor routes.
• Upgrade Your Technology: Stay up to date with the latest technology in Satisfactory. Upgrade your miners, storage, and fuel systems. This will improve the efficiency of your entire factory, not just the Tractor routes.

Following these tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your Tractors. With a little planning and effort, your Tractors can become a cornerstone of your factory's automation. Good luck, engineer, and keep building!