Hi Aussie280
Another is the Echo ES250ES. Now 2 caveats to this one as a friend has one. The blower tube can fall off easily after its seen significant use (and I mean significant - his fan blades are worn down to stubs). He personally uses a worm drive clamp to hold it on as he never converts to blower.
2 - it doesn't have smart start - spring assist starting. May be an issue if your wife is starting it, but honestly they normally start first pull, second if you don't knock the choke off quick enough.
I don't know if they are still available , but the ES255ES is really the best leaf blower vac I have ever used. It is really the Victa 2 stroke of blowers - half a zip on the rope and off it goes. Spring assist start, plenty of power.
Final caveat - I cannot guarantee at the moment its made in Japan. They always have been, but thats not to say they didnt switch a few months ago. So check first
