Crank lowers the saw into the ice. Cut out at least 1600 cubic feet, haul it to the ice house and cover it with the mountain of sawdust you made in the fall when cutting firewood. Then when it goes from -40 to +40 you have somewhere to hide. Few, but some, still do it at their summer cottages... not sure if there are very many left that actually use if for the ice box (fridge), but you can fill your cooler to keep the beer and fish cool. It surprising how well the ice lasts under the sawdust.