Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder for use with a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic cylinder including a tube having a first end and a second end and a cap assembly connected to the first end of the tube to close off the first end. The hydraulic cylinder also includes a piston assembly having a piston rod and being movably disposed within the tube to move between the first end and the second end. The hydraulic cylinder further includes a valve plunger connected to the cap assembly and having a first axial bore and a plurality of radially oriented passages. The plurality of radially oriented passages being configured to sequentially restrict fluid flow through the first axial bore as the piston assembly approaches the first end of the tube.