Purchased this a couple of weeks ago because our ground here is like concrete. The tripod can be adjusted to get the connection for the hose off of the ground. Both sections where the tripod connect to the main "water flow" stem have to be adjusted. Mine is about 6-8 inches from the ground which allows my hose to not be kinked at the bottom. Next, play around with the adjustments on the head to get the desired pattern you need. Yes, this sprinkler will spray VERY far with good pressure and when adjusted to do so. There is a needle that can be adjusted to diffuse the spray pattern via the stream. If you screw the needle further into the stream, it will diffuse the stream but will also shorten the distance. Finally, the top adjustment drops the top plate down into the stream to limit the distance and also disrupt the stream some. I chose to use the needle before adjusting this top plate because I found I can get good distance and a decent pattern with the needle as opposed to the top plate. This sprinkler does need good water pressure to operate. Use a large diameter hose as I found the 1/2" hoses restrict the water flow needed. I use a 3/4" hose, but a 5/8" might work OK. It's really not that bad if you fiddle with it.

Several reviewers have remarked about this unit's failure to rotate either out of the box or after some time. The problem is the tension spring that keeps the sprinkler head from rotating freely and just spinning around. The spring that comes with this unit is too strong for water pressures below around 50 psi and needs to be replaced with a shorter or weaker one that only puts slight tension on the head. In the photos below, you can see the location of this spring. To remove this spring and replace it, first disconnect the head from the aluminum tubing of the tripod using Nut "A". Then separate Nut "A" and Nut "B" using two wrenches. Underneath Nut "B", you will see a large straight screwdriver slot. Carefully and lightly clamp the sprinkler head in a vise (or hold it between your legs) so as not to damage it, and turn the screwdriver slot counter-clockwise to disconnect the brass fitting from the green sprinkler head. Now you can remove the spring and replace it with one that has less tension. I had one that was about the same diameter, and cut it so that it only put light tension on the head when it was installed. Sprinkler works great now at lower water pressure. I would rate this product four stars otherwise, but gave it only two because it cost me a lot of my time, and I have trouble with a manufacturer in which NO ONE noticed this problem and changed that spring before shipping it out and causing so much trouble for so many customers.