Hey guys! Are you ready to automate your resource transportation in Satisfactory? One of the earliest and most useful vehicles you'll unlock is the tractor. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your first tractor up and running, from unlocking the tech to setting up efficient routes.

Unlocking the Tractor

First things first, you need to unlock the tractor in the Milestones. This is part of the Tier 2 progression, so you'll need to have completed all the necessary Tier 1 milestones first. Focus on progressing through the hub upgrades and research until you unlock the Vehicular Transport milestone. Once you unlock the Tier, you have to spend 250 motors, 50 reinforced iron plates and 100 cable.

Motors can be a bit tricky early on. You'll need to set up a basic manufacturing line to produce them. This typically involves producing iron rods, which will then be combined into reinforced iron plates which can be turned into motors. Don't worry if it seems daunting, you'll get there! The reinforced iron plates are a staple for a lot of mid-game progression, so it's worth getting a good production line running early.

The required cables are simple to make and don't need a lot of prerequisites. You can easily automate their production using a constructor. Once you've unlocked the Vehicular Transport milestone, interact with the Milestone in the Hub terminal to unlock the tractor blueprint.

Make sure you're planning your factory layout in such a way that you have space to expand and produce these items. Start small and scale up as needed. Efficiency is key in Satisfactory, so try to optimize your production lines to minimize waste and maximize output. Remember, the initial setup is the most challenging part. Once you have a good foundation, scaling up becomes much easier.

Building Your First Tractor

Once you've unlocked the tractor blueprint, you can craft it at the Constructor. You'll need the following resources:

• Iron Rods: 50
• Iron Plates: 50
• Cables: 100

These resources are relatively easy to obtain. If you've already progressed to Tier 2, you should have a decent supply of iron production. If not, it's time to set up some miners and smelters to automate the production of these basic materials.

Crafting the tractor in the constructor will take a few minutes, so be patient. Once it's done, place it in a convenient location. It's a good idea to place it near a storage container where you can load fuel and materials.

Always keep an eye on your resource levels. Running out of iron halfway through crafting the tractor can be frustrating. Automating the production of these materials will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Keep in mind that the tractor will need fuel to operate, so make sure you have a supply of biomass or solid biofuel ready to go.

Setting Up a Tractor Route

The real magic of the tractor lies in its ability to automate resource transport. Here’s how to set up a basic route:

1. Fuel Up: First, you'll need to fuel your tractor. Tractors run on biomass, solid biofuel, or liquid biofuel. Load the fuel into the tractor's fuel inventory.
2. Record the Route: Get into the tractor and start driving the path you want it to follow. As you drive, the tractor will record your movements. Be precise, especially at the start and end points, to ensure smooth looping.
3. Set Start and End Points: Drive to your desired starting point, typically near a storage container you want to load from. Stop the tractor and press the "Record" button (default key: 'V'). Drive the entire route, and then stop at the desired ending point, usually near another storage container where you want to unload. Press "Record" again to stop recording.
4. Configure Loading and Unloading: At the start and end points, you'll need to configure the tractor to load and unload items. Open the tractor's interface and select the inventory slots you want to use for loading and unloading. Make sure the storage containers are connected to the tractor's path via conveyor belts or directly adjacent to the tractor's stopping points.

When planning your routes, consider the terrain. Tractors aren't great at climbing steep hills, so try to find relatively flat paths. Also, keep in mind the turning radius of the tractor when designing your route. Tight turns can cause the tractor to get stuck.

Optimizing Your Tractor Routes

To get the most out of your tractors, consider these optimization tips:

• Dedicated Fuel Supply: Set up a dedicated biofuel production line to keep your tractors running smoothly. Automating the production of solid biofuel from wood or leaves is a great way to ensure a constant fuel supply.
• Efficient Loading/Unloading: Use conveyor belts and stackable conveyor supports to efficiently load and unload items from the tractor. This will minimize downtime and maximize the amount of resources transported.
• Avoid Obstacles: Clear your tractor routes of any obstacles, such as rocks, trees, or wildlife. This will prevent the tractor from getting stuck and disrupting your supply chain.
• Multiple Tractors: As your factory grows, consider using multiple tractors to transport resources. This will increase your overall transport capacity and reduce bottlenecks.

Make sure to regularly check your tractor routes for any issues. Sometimes, the tractor can get stuck or run out of fuel. Monitoring your tractors will help you identify and resolve these problems quickly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful planning, you might run into some issues with your tractor routes. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Tractor Gets Stuck: If your tractor gets stuck, try manually driving it out of the obstacle. If that doesn't work, you may need to redesign the route to avoid the obstacle.
• Tractor Runs Out of Fuel: Make sure you have a sufficient supply of fuel along the route. You can also increase the fuel capacity of the tractor by upgrading it.
• Tractor Doesn't Load/Unload: Check the configuration of the loading and unloading points. Make sure the storage containers are properly connected to the tractor's path and that the inventory slots are correctly configured.
• Route is Uneven: If the route becomes uneven, re-record the path to ensure it is smooth and consistent.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different routes and configurations. The best way to learn is by doing. With a little practice, you'll be able to set up efficient and reliable tractor routes that will greatly improve your factory's logistics.

Advanced Tractor Usage

Once you've mastered the basics, you can explore some advanced techniques for using tractors:

• Using Train Stations: Later in the game, you can unlock train stations, which allow you to create more complex and efficient transportation networks. You can use tractors to transport resources to and from train stations, creating a hybrid transportation system.
• Integrating with Drones: Drones are another advanced transportation option in Satisfactory. You can use tractors to transport resources to drone ports, which can then transport them over long distances.
• Customizing Tractor Skins: You can customize the appearance of your tractors by unlocking and applying different skins. This is purely cosmetic, but it can add a bit of personality to your factory.

These advanced techniques can greatly improve the efficiency and scalability of your factory's logistics. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your specific needs.

Conclusion

Setting up tractors in Satisfactory is a game-changer for resource management. It automates tedious tasks, freeing you up to focus on expanding and optimizing your factory. Follow this guide, and you’ll have your tractors running like clockwork in no time. Happy building, and see you in the next guide! Remember to keep experimenting and optimizing your routes to achieve maximum efficiency. Good luck, pioneers!