The two-wheeled limber was an important component of every battery of field artillery. The limber carried an ammunition chest which also provided a seat for the driver. An iron pintle on the back allowed the limber to tow a cannon, a caisson, a forge or a battery wagon. The limber would ideally be pulled by a team of six horses.

A battery of field artillery had two limbers for every cannon (one pulling the cannon and the second pulling a caisson) plus limbers pulling a portable forge and the battery supply wagon, both two wheeled carts.