The HTI 2000 Soil Injector is a lightweight, accurate device designed for the application of tree health products directly into the soil. Its primary function is to deliver precise doses of solutions like Cambistat, Xytect, Lepitect, and Transtect, making it suitable for applications where accuracy is critical. The injector is not intended for use with fertilizers, as they are too abrasive on the aluminum components and can rapidly clog the filter.
Technical Specifications and Features:
- Injection Volume: The HTI 2000 distributes 250ml per injection. The volume meter on the device allows for precise control, with markings from 25ml to 225ml in increments of 25ml, and a maximum capacity of 250ml.
- Pressure Range: The device operates optimally with pressure maintained between 85 – 150 psi. It is crucial not to exceed 150 psi to prevent damage and ensure proper function.
- Components: The HTI 2000 features adjustable handles for ergonomic use, an inline filter housing to prevent debris from entering the system, a fill button and inject button for operation, a volume meter for monitoring dosage, a resettable counter for tracking injections, a quick connect for hose attachment, a foot peg for stability during application, and a probe tip for soil penetration.
- Material Compatibility: Specifically designed for tree health products, the device's components are chosen to withstand the chemical properties of these solutions.
- Portability: Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver during application.
Usage Features:
- Preparation:
- DBH Measurement: Accurate measurement of the tree's diameter at breast height (DBH) is essential for determining correct mixing rates and application doses. The manual provides guidance for various tree structures, including single stem, individual trees in close proximity, multi-stem splits, tree splits at or above DBH, and stem clusters.
- Product Mixing: Users must follow the product label instructions for mixing rates. Examples are provided for Cambistat (11:1 water:Cambistat ratio), Transtect (1 pack/5" DBH for high rate, 1 pack/10" DBH for low rate), Lepitect (1-10 oz. pack/25" DBH for high rate, 1-10 oz. pack/50" DBH for low rate), Xytect 2F (12ml/inch DBH for high rate, 6ml/inch DBH for med rate, 3ml/inch DBH for low rate), and Xytect 75 WSP (1 packet/12" DBH for high rate, 1 packet/24" DBH for med rate, 1 packet/48" DBH for low rate).
- PPE: Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in accordance with the product label.
- Priming: Before application, the HTI 2000 must be primed by circulating product or water through it for 8 cycles (2000ml). This involves holding down the fill button until the volume meter reaches full capacity (250ml) and then holding down the inject button to release the product back into the reservoir.
- Application Process:
- Site Inspection: Inspect the tree for defects (cracks, cankers, root decay/damaged root flares) and organic material (mulch) at the base, as these can impede product uptake. Remove mulch if present.
- Probe Placement: Place the probe 6" into the soil, as close as possible to the tree trunk, avoiding root tissue.
- Injection: Hold down the fill button to achieve the desired volume, then hold down the inject button to apply the product. The volume meter shows progress, and the digital counter tracks injections.
- Distribution: Apply the product evenly around the base of the tree. The manual suggests applying treatment close to the base without damaging roots or bark. Application sites should be spaced evenly, with initial injections made closest to the tree.
- Troubleshooting during Application: If the volume meter stops or product becomes visible from the soil, release the inject button and move to a new site. Use the probe to poke holes if product is visible on the surface.
- Completion: After application, press the reset button to clear the counter. Replace any removed organic material.
- Application Tips:
- Consider using smaller, more frequent doses (e.g., eight 125ml doses instead of four 250ml doses) for better product distribution.
- Be aware of hidden landscaping liners or rocks that can prevent product from reaching the soil, leading to runoff.
- Monitor product uptake; if the soil is oversaturated, it may be best to skip the tree and return later.
- Do not apply if the ground is frozen, as uptake will be inhibited.
Maintenance Features:
- Daily Cleaning:
- Run 2000ml of water through the HTI 2000 using the fill and inject buttons.
- Remove and rinse the inline filter to clear sediment.
- Store in a dry area between 32°F and 110°F, ensuring no material remains in the injection cylinder.
- Leave the filter cap removed to encourage drying and prevent rust.
- General Care and Upkeep:
- Do not run fertilizers through the HTI 2000.
- Clean the device daily as per the manual.
- Avoid storing or using below freezing temperatures.
- Do not operate the HTI 2000 with an empty reservoir, as it can still indicate filling and affect performance.
- Replace the probe tip when worn to prevent clogging of outflow ports. Frequency of replacement depends on use and soil conditions.
- Replacing Probe Tip:
- Use a vice grip to unscrew the tip.
- Inspect for particulates or clogs and remove them with a paper clip.
- Screw the new or cleaned tip back on with a vice grip.
- End of Season (Winterizing):
- Clean all dirt and debris from the exterior.
- Cycle at least 1 gallon of clean water (about 16 cycles) through the HTI.
- Remove the filter from its housing and clean it with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Store the filter separately in a clean, dry location.
- Remove and clean rust and debris from the injection probe tip. Consider replacing if worn and store separately.
- Lubricate all O-rings, especially in the piston manifold, with a synthetic silicone lubricant (e.g., Molykote 111 or Super Lube).
- Lubricate the 'Fill' and 'Inject' button components with synthetic silicone lubricant.
- Allow the HTI to dry thoroughly before long-term storage; an air compressor can assist.
- Store the HTI upright to prevent trapped moisture.
- Store the HTI above freezing temperatures to prevent moisture from freezing, expanding, and potentially cracking the piston manifold or damaging tubing.
Troubleshooting Guide:
- Injection Cylinder Not Injecting or Injecting at Slow Rate:
- Too low of pressure: Check for kinked hoses, loose connections, obstructed filter, and increase pressure (do not exceed 175 psi).
- Compressed soil/rocks: Move probe to a new application site.
- Clogged product outflow ports: Clear the 4-hole injection ports with a paper clip. Ensure product is properly diluted.
- Injection Cylinder Not Filling:
- Kink, twist or obstruction in hose: Remove obstruction.
- Clogged inline filter: Clean filter for debris, residues, or particulates.
- Fill button won't activate: Remove, lubricate, and clean fill button components.
- Injection Cylinder stuck: O-rings may be dry, rolled back, or seized. Lubricate or replace O-rings. Adjust pressure if O-rings continuously roll back.
- Cylinder Won't Stop Filling:
- Fill button depressed and won't come back up: Pressure is too high. Keep pressure below 150 psi.
- Fill button on too tight: Untighten the button to alleviate the dowel pin.
- Spring no longer maintaining pressure: Replace the spring. A temporary fix is to pull the spring apart.
- Nylon ball is too worn: Replace the nylon ball of all fill button components.
- Port where fill button components insert into manifold are worn: Replace the manifold.
- Cylinder Is Leaking:
- Freeze/thaw damage: Replace cylinder.
- O-Rings worn out: Replace O-rings.
- Electronic Counter Stops Working:
- Water Damage: Replace counter.
- Dead Lithium Battery: Replace counter.
- Lost Connection: Remove 4 screws, pull out of frame, and check connection.
Replacement Parts:
A list of replacement parts is provided with SKU, part description, and unit size, including:
- HTI Replacement Cylinder O ring (SKU 5217)
- HTI Replacement Counter (SKU 5280)
- HTI Replacement Inject Button (SKU 5281)
- HTI Replacement Tip (SKU 5282)
- HTI Replacement Fill Valve Kit (SKU 5284)
- In-line Filter - HTI 2000 (SKU 5285)
- Gasket - HTI In-Line Filter (SKU 5289)
- 200 Mesh Screen - HTI In-Line Filter (SKU 5290)