Abstract: An indexing apparatus (10) having a pair of concentric cylinders (12, 14) with the outer concentric cylinder (12) being fixed against longitudinal movement and the inner cylinder (14) mounted for reciprocal movement relative to the fixed outer cylinder (12). A single ram piston (16) is mounted within the inner cylinder (14) and has a piston rod (18) connected to a member (29) for positioning at four predetermined positions. A shock absorber (24) is carried by the outer fixed cylinder (12) and engages stop plates or abutments (20, 28) carried by the inner cylinder (14) for activation of the shock absorber (24). A pair of guide rods (42) prevent rotational movement of inner cylinder (14) relative to the inner cylinder (12) and maintain the shock absorber (24) in axial alignment with the end abutments (20, 28). In one embodiment (FIGS.