Husky made the 61 for a lot of years; the earliest ones had a white top, most of 'em had a steel rod loop brake handle. They were updated occasionally, and I suppose the brake thing was one of the fixes. Jonsered 625 is more or less the same saw. This size saw is probably about the best all-round firewood saw...light enough that it won't wear you down fast, and has enough power to handle a 24" bar if you have to, is comfortable with a 20", and really hums a snappy tune with a 16"
When I say "this size saw" please be aware that Husky and it's Jonsered sisters made several models on this basic frame. For years I've used a Jonsered 670, about the same as a Husky 266/268, but ported just a tad hotter for a bit more power, and Husky has had the 272 and 371, 372, etc that has even more gumption.
I'm not certain I'd call the 61 a consumer level saw, because it has proven to be well made and reliable. Think of it more as the base model with the small, 2 barrel V8. I've not used a 61 for a while, but I picked up a Jonsered sister to it, the 625, this spring and it's a keeper...pretty forgiving with a wide powerband.
Repair parts will probably be available for a long time, as they sold so many of them.
