Hey Satisfactory engineers! Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop of hand-mining and conveyor belts? Well, setting up your tractor in Satisfactory can be a game-changer, and trust me, it's way more exciting than it sounds! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting those tractors rolling, from the basics of unlocking them to the finer points of fuel management and automated transport. So, buckle up, because we're about to transform your factory into a well-oiled machine! This is a complete guide to help new players who do not know anything about tractors and want to start using tractors in the game.

Unlocking the Tractor and Its Basics

First things first, guys! Before you can even dream of tractor-powered automation, you gotta unlock the tractor itself. You won’t find it from the beginning of the game. You'll need to progress through the tiers of the game. This means you will need to do the following:

• Research: Head over to the MAM (Mammoth Automated Machine) which is available early in the game. You can find the MAM in the HUB. You will need to research the 'Logistics' under the Equipment tab. The first step is to get the 'Portable Miner'. Then you can move forward to the 'Tractor' research. This research will require you to use the resources that the game provides to you.
• Crafting: After researching the tractor in the MAM, you can finally craft it at the equipment workshop. You will require some basic components. You will need to gather the resources required for each component. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to craft your first tractor and how to get these materials:
  • Iron Plates: These are super common. Smelt some Iron Ore in a Smelter. You can find iron ore in nearly all starting locations. These are a building block.
  • Iron Rods: Another easy one. Use Iron Ore in a Smelter to get Iron Rods. These are used in a lot of crafting recipes.
  • Reinforced Iron Plates: A bit more involved. Craft these at the Assembler using Iron Plates and Screws. You'll need to craft Screws.
  • Motor: These are more advanced. Craft them in the Assembler using Stators, Rotor, and encased industrial beams. You will need to manufacture all of these components.
• Placement: Once you have the tractor, select it from your inventory, and place it. It's that simple! But remember to add the fuel and make sure that everything is correct before moving on.

With the tractor unlocked and crafted, you will need to understand the basics. The tractor is a versatile vehicle in Satisfactory. It can transport resources automatically, and once you set them up, you will not have to worry about them again. It can also haul resources over long distances, making it ideal for automating resource collection and delivery. Once you have a basic understanding of the tractor's functions, then you can go forward in setting them up.

Fueling Your Tractor: Keeping the Wheels Turning

Now, let's talk fuel. A tractor without fuel is just a really expensive paperweight. There are a couple of fuel options to keep those engines humming:

• Solid Biofuel: Early game, this is your go-to. Craft it from biomass (plant life you find around the map) in the crafting menu. It's a simple and effective fuel source but is not optimal in the long run. Place the biofuel in your inventory and select it, then add it to the tractor.
• Coal: As you progress, you'll discover coal. This is much more efficient than biofuel. Coal can be mined and used in a coal generator to produce power, but it also directly fuels the tractor. Place the coal in your inventory and select it, then add it to the tractor. You will need to research coal power in the MAM.
• Fuel: You will unlock fuel later in the game. You will have to refine crude oil to get fuel. Fuel is by far the most efficient, but requires a more advanced setup of refineries and pipelines. You will need to research oil power in the MAM.

To fuel your tractor, interact with it (usually by pressing 'E'). You'll see an inventory slot where you can place your chosen fuel type. Make sure to keep it topped up to avoid any unexpected stoppages during transport. If the fuel runs out, your tractor will stop moving, and you will have to manually refuel it.

Setting Up Automated Routes: Making Your Tractor Work For You

So, you've got a fueled-up tractor. Now comes the fun part: automation! Setting up automated routes is where the tractor truly shines. Here's how to do it:

• Planning: First, decide where you want the tractor to go. Consider the location of resource nodes (like iron ore, coal, etc.) and where you want to transport those resources (e.g., to your base). Plan the route, taking into account terrain, obstacles, and the distance.
• Waypoints: Place waypoints. Walk up to the tractor, hop in, and open the interface (default key is 'F'). From there, you can set waypoints by driving to your desired destinations and clicking the