Thanks for the replies. I will try to get pics. We have a strict protocol for publishing photos so it may take me a few days.
Some specifics, there is a bladder type accumulator that sits on the counterweight I believe this is a shock absorber for the entire system. Tucked into the manipulator itself are 3 piston type accumulators. The easiest to see is the the hydraulic line that tilts the manipulator "up" is tee'd right at the piston fitting, the tee'd line runs to the bottom of one accumulator where it tee's again and it is valved. When the valve is closed the tilt operates as it should. Opening the valve and the manipulator starts tilting down with moving a control lever. So, valve closed puts the accumulator at the end of the line and allows it to act like a shock absorber. So why is there a valve then? To flush the lines perhaps and ensure that there is no air in the line leading to the accumulator? It is a mystery at the moment.
I will post some pics when I get them. I know it is hard to describe without visuals.