Hey guys! Ready to automate your resource transportation in Satisfactory? The tractor is your early-game best friend for moving items across the map, and setting it up properly can save you a ton of time and effort. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how to set up your tractor in Satisfactory.

Understanding the Tractor

Before we get started with the setup, let's understand what the tractor is and what it does. The tractor is an automated vehicle that you can unlock early in the game. It's designed to transport resources between two points along a predefined path. Unlike belts, which require a continuous infrastructure, the tractor can navigate the terrain, making it ideal for long-distance transport, especially in the early to mid-game phases. The tractor runs on fuel, so you'll need to ensure a consistent fuel supply to keep it running. One of the great things about the tractor is its ability to handle rough terrain and obstacles, providing a flexible transport solution where belts might be impractical. Also, remember that the tractor has limited inventory space, so it's best used for high-value or consolidated resources to maximize its efficiency. Understanding these basics will help you appreciate the tractor's role in your factory automation and resource management strategy.

Prerequisites

Before you can even think about setting up a tractor, you'll need to unlock it in the Milestones. Head over to the MAM (Molecular Analysis Machine) and research the Logistics technology. This will unlock the tractor and the necessary buildings for setting up its route. You'll also need to have a basic understanding of how to craft items and build structures in the game. Gather the required materials, which typically include iron plates, iron rods, and copper wire. Make sure you have a constructor available to craft these components. Additionally, ensure you have a power source and a connected power grid to run the necessary machines. A small biomass burner should suffice for the early stages. Having these prerequisites in place will ensure a smooth tractor setup process, allowing you to focus on optimizing your resource transport rather than getting bogged down by missing components or power issues. Also, it's a good idea to clear the path you intend for the tractor to follow, removing any obstacles that might hinder its movement.

Step 1: Crafting the Tractor and Truck Stations

Alright, let's get our hands dirty. First things first, you need to craft the tractor itself. Open your crafting menu and find the tractor recipe. You'll need the following resources:

• Iron Plates
• Iron Rods
• Copper Wire

Once you have all the materials, craft the tractor. Next, you'll need to craft two Truck Stations. These stations will serve as the start and end points for your tractor route. The truck station recipe requires:

• Concrete
• Iron Rods
• Iron Plates

Craft two truck stations and place them at your desired locations. Ensure that the stations are placed on relatively flat ground to avoid any issues with the tractor docking properly. The crafting process is straightforward, but it's essential to have all the necessary materials prepared in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. Remember, you can automate the production of these materials using constructors and miners to streamline the process. Once you have the tractor and truck stations ready, you're one step closer to automating your resource transport. The placement of these stations is crucial for the efficiency of your tractor route, so plan accordingly.

Step 2: Placing the Truck Stations

Now that you've got your Truck Stations, it's time to strategically place them. Think about where you want your resources to be picked up and delivered. For example, you might want to transport iron ore from a mining outpost to your main base. Place one truck station near the miner at the outpost and the other at your base, close to your smelters or storage containers. Make sure the area around the truck stations is clear of any obstructions. The tractor needs enough space to maneuver and dock correctly. Ensure that the stations are powered by connecting them to your power grid. A single power line is usually sufficient. Double-check that the stations are correctly aligned and that there's a clear path between them. This will minimize potential issues with the tractor's navigation. Proper placement is key to ensuring a smooth and efficient transport route. Consider the terrain and potential obstacles when choosing the location for your truck stations. A well-planned route will save you time and resources in the long run.

Step 3: Setting Up the Tractor Route

This is where the magic happens. Hop into your tractor and drive it to one of the Truck Stations. Once you're close enough, you'll see a prompt to dock. Dock the tractor with the station. Now, open the truck station's interface. You'll see an option to Record Route. Click on it, and the tractor will start recording your movements. Carefully drive the tractor along the path you want it to follow. Try to keep the route as smooth and straight as possible to minimize fuel consumption and travel time. Avoid steep inclines and complicated turns. Once you reach the other Truck Station, dock with it. The route will automatically be saved. You can now configure the station to load and unload specific items. The tractor will follow this recorded path automatically, transporting resources between the two stations. Remember, you can always re-record the route if you need to make adjustments. A well-planned route is essential for efficient resource transport, so take your time and ensure it's optimized for speed and safety.

Tips for Recording a Good Route

• Keep it Simple: Straight lines are your friend. Avoid unnecessary turns and loops.
• Avoid Obstacles: Steer clear of rocks, trees, and other obstacles that could slow down or damage the tractor.
• Smooth Terrain: Try to stick to relatively flat ground to minimize fuel consumption.
• Test Run: After recording the route, do a test run to make sure the tractor can navigate it without any issues.

Step 4: Configuring the Truck Stations

With the route recorded, it's time to configure the Truck Stations to load and unload the correct resources. Open the interface of the first truck station (the one where you want the tractor to pick up resources). You'll see options to specify what items to load onto the tractor. Select the resource you want to transport, such as iron ore. Set the station to Load mode. Now, open the interface of the second truck station (the one where you want the tractor to deliver resources). Select the same resource and set the station to Unload mode. Make sure that the input and output buffers of the stations are connected to your storage or production facilities. This will ensure a continuous flow of resources. You can also set filters to control the specific types of items that are loaded and unloaded. Proper configuration of the truck stations is crucial for automating your resource transport efficiently. Double-check your settings to avoid any errors or bottlenecks in the supply chain. Remember, you can always adjust the configuration as your factory evolves and your needs change.

Step 5: Fueling the Tractor

Tractors need fuel to run, so you'll need to provide a consistent fuel supply. The tractor can use various types of fuel, including biomass, solid biofuel, and liquid biofuel. For early-game setups, biomass is the most accessible option. Place a container near one of the Truck Stations and fill it with biomass. Connect the container to the truck station using conveyor belts. The truck station will automatically refuel the tractor when it docks. As you progress through the game, you can switch to more efficient fuels like solid biofuel or liquid biofuel. Ensure that your fuel production can keep up with the tractor's consumption rate. Regular monitoring of the fuel levels is essential to prevent any unexpected downtime. Automating the fuel supply chain will ensure a continuous and reliable operation of your tractor network. Consider setting up a dedicated biofuel production line to meet the increasing fuel demands of your growing factory.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a perfect setup, you might encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Tractor Gets Stuck: This usually happens if the route has obstacles or steep inclines. Re-record the route, avoiding any obstructions.
• Tractor Runs Out of Fuel: Make sure your fuel supply is sufficient and that the truck stations are properly connected to the fuel source.
• Tractor Doesn't Load/Unload: Double-check the truck station configurations to ensure the correct items are selected and the modes are set to load and unload accordingly.
• Tractor Route Not Saving: Ensure that you fully dock with both truck stations during the route recording process. If the issue persists, try restarting the game.

Optimizing Your Tractor Network

Once you have a basic tractor setup running, you can start optimizing it for better performance. Here are a few tips:

• Use Better Fuel: As you progress through the game, switch to more efficient fuels like solid biofuel or liquid biofuel to increase the tractor's range and reduce refueling frequency.
• Upgrade Truck Stations: Upgrade your truck stations to increase their storage capacity and loading/unloading speed.
• Multiple Tractors: Deploy multiple tractors on the same route to increase the throughput of resources.
• Dedicated Routes: Create dedicated routes for different resources to avoid bottlenecks and optimize transport efficiency.

Conclusion

Setting up a tractor in Satisfactory is a game-changer for early-game resource transportation. By following these steps, you'll be able to automate your supply chains and focus on expanding your factory. So go ahead, build those tractors, set up those routes, and watch your resources flow! Happy automating!