Started out with Homelites as well 

An EZ and couple Super EZ's which were high compression saws and also a 350. 

Cleared miles of fencerows with those saws  All were used and abused as all stumps were cut off at ground level. 16:1 gas mix lots of blue smoke and maybe get 1 chain per stump.

Have since moved on to Echo's which are easy to start. Have a couple top handle ones for trimming and a big 590 Timberwolf as well as a pole saw with extra long extension. They start easy cut well and have been trouble free. Parts available 1 mile up the road.

Bought a professional Oregon sharpener as well.