Rainbow Treecare Q-gun User manual

For tech support and protocols call 1-877-272-6747
www.treecarescience.com •[e-mail] Patent Pending
The Q-gun is designed to allow tree injection treatments to be performed quickly, safely, and accurately.
Be certain to read ALL instructions before use. Refer to the appropriate product guide and product label
for dosage and mixing instructions.
MANUAL
™
Overview • Use • Care & Storage • Troubleshooting • Repair

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Q-GUN OVERVIEW
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
PHASE 1 - GETTING SET UP
PHASE 2 - PRIMING
PHASE 3 - INJECTING
PHASE 4 - PURGING
PHASE 5 - CLEANING
GENERAL CARE & STORAGE
APPROVED PRODUCTS LIST
TROUBLESHOOTING
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
TAKING APART/PUTTING TOGETHER THE Q-GUN
FIELD REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
1
2-5
2
2-3
3-4
4-5
5
6
6
7
8-9
9
10-12
For tech support and protocols call 877-272-6747

OVERVIEW
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST:
Bottle with Cap Assembly
Injection Tee
5/32” Tubing
15/64” High Helix Drill Bits
Bottle Holster
Carrying Bag & Insert
3’ of 5/32” Replacement Tubing
Manual
Electric Drill - 18v Recommended
DBH Measuring Tape
Proper PPE (Refer to product label)
Q-gun Field Repair Kit (Recommended)
Dosing chamber (0-20ml) Plunger
BOTTLE CAP ASSEMBLY (top view)
1
Included:
You Will Need:
Push-to-connect
Handle
Handle Tension Dial
Push-to-connect
Inside Dial
Outside Dial
- Adjust dosing
volume
- Lock dosing
volume
Injection Tip
Handle
Floating Injection Tee
Q-GUN ASSEMBLY O-ring
Check Valve
(valve core & spring)
Plunger Cap
Lubrication Pad
Air Vent
Push-to-Connect
Tip Port
Aluminum Bottle Cap
- Duckbill
Valve
Product Bottle
Main Valve

For tech support and protocols call 877-272-6747
I.
Measure the tree’s Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
NOTE: Breast height is commonly measured 4.5 feet above soil grade.
Root flare
4.5 ft.
1.
Determine the total volume of product needed (ml) based
on the product label.
NOTE: Be sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- refer to the label for required PPE.
2.
3. 4.
Set the dosing chamber to twice (2X) the amount of product to be
injected per inch DBH
EXAMPLE: If the label rate is 2 ml per inch DBH, set the dosing chamber to 4 ml.
To Set The Injection Dose: Use the silver dials at the base of the
handle. Squeeze the handle and loosen both dials to adjust the
dosing chamber. Move the handle to the desired position and
tighten both dials. Release the handle.
GETTING SET UP
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
2
II. PRIMING
1.
Fill the bottle with product.
2.
Secure the bottle in the Q-gun belt holster, bottle stand, or carrying bag.
Refer to the product
label for the amount
of product to be
injected per inch
DBH.
5.
TIP: For small
injection volumes
(1-5 ml), it is often
easier to set the
dosing chamber to a
larger volume than
the required dose.
It is easier to move
the plunger from 8
ml to 4 ml than from
4 ml to 0 ml.

Ensure that the bottle cap is securely
threaded on the bottle and the tubing is
connected from the bottle to the gun,
and the gun to the injection tee.
III.INJECTING
1. 2.
3
3. 4.
open
Open the main valve on the bottle cap.
‘Open’ = parallel to the tube
5. 6.
Insert the injection tip into the bottle
cap port. The tip should seat securely
into the port.
Squeeze the handle to draw product into the gun
chamber. Repeat until the lines are primed.
TIP: Hold the gun with the tip pointing upward to eliminate air
bubbles in the dosing chamber while priming.
Determine the number of injection sites needed for the application.
NOTE: Use ONE injection site for every TWO inches of tree diameter.
Example: 12” tree = 6 injection sites
# of injection sites = DBH
2
Drill 3/4” 1”
past bark
15/64”
Using a 15/64” high helix drill bit, drill the
first injection site into the root flare ¾”-1”
past the bark, perpendicular to the bark
surface.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
5. 6.
IV. PURGING
1. 2.
3. 4.
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4
III.INJECTING (continued)
Insert the tip securely into the hole. Ensure a tight seal
with a slight clockwise turn.
NOTE: It is recommended to drill one hole and perform the injection
before drilling the next hole.
Squeeze the handle of the Q-gun to inject the dose. After
the injection, release the handle smoothly to allow the
chamber to refill.
NOTE: If product uptake by the tree is slow, the silver dials at the
base of the handle can be tightened to hold the plunger position in
place, so the handle may be released without refilling the chamber.
Remove the injection tee with another
slight clockwise turn while pulling it out.
Repeat steps 2 - 4 for each injection site. Space holes evenly around
the base of the tree (approx. every 6”).
NOTE: Replace drill bits every 5-10 trees. A sharp drill bit should produce “pig tails”.
“pig tails”
Purging empties the Q-gun system of fluid. Follow these steps at the end of the day, when
changing products, and after cleaning the Q-gun.
Unscrew the bottle cap from the product bottle.
NOTE: Make sure the bottle is securely resting on the bottle stand or
in the carrying bag.
Hold the bottle cap so the end of the dip tube is above
the level of product in the bottle. This will allow the
system to draw air when the handle is squeezed.

Place the injection tip into the neck of the
bottle.
Squeeze the handle, dispensing product
back into the bottle. Repeat until the
system is empty.
5.
5
3. 4.
Return unused
product to an
approved pesticide
container.
V. CLEANING
1. 2.
+
70% isopropyl
alcohol Water
=Cleaning Solution
ONE PART TWO PARTS
Fill the empty q-gun bottle 1/3 to 1/2 way with a dilute isopropyl
alcohol cleaning solution. To make a cleaning solution, mix ONE (1)
part 70% isopropyl alcohol to TWO (2) parts water.
NOTE: For 90% isopropyl alcohol, mix ONE (1) part alcohol to THREE (3) parts water. Repeat Phase II. PRIMING to cycle cleaning
solution through the system.
3.
Repeat Phase IV. PURGING to discharge the
cleaning solution into the Q-gun bottle. Dispose
of pesticide wastes and rinsate in accordance
with the product label and local, state, and
federal regulations.
5.4.
See MAINTENANCE & REPAIR for
further cleaning instructions.
Always store the Q-gun
system clean and dry.

• Purge all fluid from the lines after each use and prior to changing
products.
• Clean out your Q-gun daily after use with a 1:2 solution of 70% isopropyl
alcohol and water.
• It is recommended to run water through the unit after the cleaning solution,
and allow the lines to dry completely before storage.
• Use a dilute isopropyl alcohol solution to clean the outer parts of the device
as needed.
• Keep check valve cores and O-rings clean and lubricated.
• Store your Q-gun in a dry area free from dust and particulate matter.
• Store above 32°F (0°C) and below 100°F (38°C).
GENERAL CARE & STORAGE
APPROVED PRODUCT LIST
The Q-gun is a versatile, highly portable tool for your plant health care toolbox.
We are actively engaged in research to broaden the usefulness of this device.
Refer to our website for a list of approved products.
Approved Product List website link:
www.treecarescience.com/q-gun
For tech support and protocols call 877-272-6747
6

TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE PROBLEM SOLUTION
Product will not
dispense when the
handle is squeezed
Incorrect check valve orientation
Verify that both front and rear check
valves are installed correctly - springs
should face forward, in the direction of
flow.
Plugged injection tip Clear injection tip of blockage of debris.
Blockage in lines Inspect tubing for visual debris. Check
tubing ends. Replace tubing if necessary.
Kinked line
Check tubing for kinks or bends that may
restrict flow, and replace tubing if
necessary.
Solution is running
backwards through the
gun and lines
(complete backwards flow)
Check valves are installed backwards Reinsert check valves; springs should
point forward (in direction of flow).
Some solution is
running backward
through the gun
(leaking or backflow)
Check valves are not sealing
May be due to chemical residue build-up,
debris, or worn-out springs. Clean check
valves and gun. Apply silicone grease to
valve cores. Replace check valves if
problem persists.
Fluid leaking from
cylinder Blue O-rings are worn out
Performance may be improved
temporarily with lubrication (NJ Phillips
lubricant). O-rings should ultimately be
replaced.
Leaking from injection
tee handle Injection tip is loose Tighten injection tip. Ensure set screw is in
place, tight.
Slow Injections
Kink or blockage in lines Inspect the tubing to ensure that the lines
are free of kinks or debris.
Product chemistry
The product used may aect uptake time.
More viscous products typically take
longer to inject.
Poor uptake conditions
Poor uptake conditions (very dry to very
wet soils, weather conditions, time of day)
may result in slow uptake.
Dicult-to-inject tree or injection site If uptake is poor with gun operating
correctly, try changing injection sites.
Tips for SLOW tress:
Try changing injection sites on the tree.
Lock the plunger in place using the tension
screw to give your hand a break.
Refer to the table below to troubleshoot the Q-gun. Call our Technical Support at 1-877-272-6747
for additional assistance.
7

TROUBLESHOOTING
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
Basic Maintenance
1. Purge all fluid from lines after use.
2. Clean: Run cleaning solution through the unit after each use.
»Always clean the unit with an isopropyl alcohol-based cleaning solution.
1 part 70% isopropyl alcohol to 2 parts water
»Recommended to run plain water through after cleaning solution.
»Wipe o any dirt or product residue.
3. Check injection tip for obstructions.
4. Lubricate check valves and O-rings.
Basic Maintenance Checklist
DAILY (after use)
Purge product.
Run isopropyl alcohol cleaning solution through system.
Check tubing and injection tip for obstructions.
AFTER HEAVY USE OR AS NEEDED
Run fresh cleaning solution for several cycles.
Purge unit of cleaning solution and follow with water.
Check tubing and injection tip for obstructions.
Check tubing ends for kinks, deep scoring, and product build-up.
• Replace damaged tubing or cut o bad ends.
Ensure injection tee set screw is in place and injection tip is securely tightened
(avoid over-tightening).
Disassemble gun, clean thoroughly.
For tech support and protocols call 877-272-6747
8continued on next page »

Clean bottle top and duckbill valve (in dosing port).
• Recommended to remove and soak duckbill valve in dilute isopropyl alcohol
cleaning solution to remove product residue/build-up.
Allow components to dry completely.
Apply silicone grease to check valve cores/springs.
• Replace valve cores with springs facing forward (toward the tip of the gun).
Apply NJ Phillips lubricant to O-rings (black nozzle O-ring and 2 blue O-rings).
Reassembly Q-gun and store in a clean, dry place.
TAKING APART/PUTTING TOGETHER THE Q-GUN
1. To remove the plunger...
a. Loosen silver dials - set dosing chamber to 20 ml (maximum capacity).
b. Squeeze handle and twist plunger cap to release plunger cap.
c. Release handle.
2. To remove check valve cores...
a. Unscrew front cover and remove push-to-connect fitting.
b. Unscrew rear push-to-connect fitting.
c. Remove check valve cores/springs.
2. To remove dosing cylinder...
a. Completely remove piston by sliding it out and up o of orange handle rest.
b. Slide dosing cylinder out of gun chamber.
2. To reassemble the Q-gun...
a. Re-insert the check valve cores/springs with springs facing forward.
b. Replace the push-to-connect fittings (replace front cover).
c. Reinsert dosing chamber cylinder (if removed).
d. Insert plunger shaft onto handle rest, and line up plunger with dosing chamber.
e. Squeeze handle to bring plunger cap to gun, twist plunger cap to lock into place.
BASIC MAINTENANCE
9

I. REPLACING SET SCREWS/TIGHTENING TIPS
1.
Loosen the set screw with flat
head screwdriver.
2.
Use wrench to tighten the tip.
Avoid over-tightening.
NOTE: If a threaded part will not turn in
one direction, give it a slight turn in the
opposite direction to loosen up the seal.
3.
Set
screw
Re-tighten the set screw. Avoid over-
tightening and stripping the screw.
II. REPLACING TUBING
To disconnect tubing, push in the plastic collet
of the push-to-connect and pull out the tubing.
Replace damaged tubing with replacement sections
in the field.
Regularly inspect the tubing ends for chemical
residue build-up, deep scoring, and kinks.
NOTE: Push-to-connect fittings are designed to score the
tubing to hold it firmly in place. Over time, the scoring
becomes deeper and can cause leaking with repeated
connecting and disconnecting. Restore bad tubing ends by
using a sharp box cutter, razor, or knife to make a straight,
vertical cut past the damaged section. Do not use scissors or
shears.
1.
2. 3.
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10
FIELD REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
III.CLEANING INJECTION TIPS
Regularly check the
injection tip for debris.
1.
Use the brushes and cleaning
picks provided to dislodge
blockages.
2. 3.
Run water or air through
the tee to remove
dislodged debris.
4.
Ensure tip is threaded into
handle, and set screw is
present and tightened.

REPLACING THE DUCKBILL VALVE
1.
Use a coin or bottle top key
(Field Repair Kit) to unscrew
the brass valve plug.
2.
Remove the rubber
grommet, metal shim,
and retaining ring.
3.
4.
Remove the duckbill
valve and replace it with
a new one.
Replace the retaining ring first, then the
metal shim, and the rubber grommet last.
Replace the brass valve plug and tighten
until hand-tight. DO NOT over tighten.
5.
V. REPLACING CHECK VALVES
1.
Disconnect tubing from the gun. Unscrew the front tip cover and remove the front tip
adapter, and unscrew the rear check valve housing.
2.
IV.
11
Duckbill Valve
Rubber Grommet
Metal Shim
Retaining Ring
Brass Valve Plug
Main Bottle Valve
Dip Tube
X-Ring
Hose Barb
Front tip
cover
Front tip
adapter
Rear check
valve housing

V. REPLACING CHECK VALVES (continued)
Remove the check valves and springs and replace with
new check valves, making sure that the springs face to
the front (springs should point in the direction of flow).
Replace front tip adapter, tip cover, and rear check
valve housing.
VI. LUBRICATING O-RINGS
1.
Loosen tension screw on Q-gun handle to relax plunger
completely.
2.
Twist plunger cap counter-clockwise to release
piston from cylinder.
3.
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12
FIELD REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
3. Check
valves 4.
4.
Remove plunger from chamber and add lubrication
to blue 0-ring and felt gasket, saturating felt.
Pull back the plastic
cylinder and add lubricant
to the second blue O-ring.
5.
Replace all components
and, lining up the guides on
the cap, twist the plunger
cap clockwise to close.
Lubricant
Blue O-ring Green Felt Gasket Blue O-ring

For tech support and protocols call 1-877-272-6747
www.treecarescience.com •[e-mail]

OUR GUARANTEE
Our products and services
are guaranteed to give
100% satisfaction in every
way - service, performance,
quality, and value. If you
are ever dissatisfied, in any
way, please contact us
so that we can address
whatever concern you have.
Our goal is your complete
satisfaction.
1-877-272-6747 • www.treecarescience.com •[e-mail]