difference beetween ranger 8 and "pipeliner" welders

Hi,
I own a ranger 8 that I use as electric generator when the power company quit (not once since I installed it, 2.5 years ago) and as a welder 2 or 3 times a year.
I wonder what is the difference beetween my welder and a 200d, classic II or 300d from lincoln?
I realise that the other welders are diesel driven and dc only, but beside that, what are the differences.
Is there a difference in the arc? Can a ranger 8 be used to weld pipes? If not, is it a code violation, or just technically impossible?
If the result are the same, why would someone by a 200d for three time the price? Maybe there is savings in the long term?
Thanks for any hints
Francois Proulx Montreal, Canada

I have the Miller Bobcat which is similar. The dealer told me that the engines on the larger machines are rebuildable, whereas the air-cooled engines are good for about 3000 hours in commercial use and are not rebuildable. Typically the whole unit is replaced. Of course, in residential use like mine, 3000 hours is a very long time. I believe that there is a difference in the welding power generated by the larger units as well - 4-pole vs. 2-pole, but I cannot explain it exactly. The larger units seem to have a higher welding arc voltage than the smaller ones - will make a difference if gouging is performed. So there may be some difference in the arcs, but a Ranger 8 should be able to weld pipe.
On Sun, 26 Sep 2004 07:24:04 -0400, "Francois"
  Quoted Text Here