I've been using Gatorskin Hardshells for the past 5+ years and they are great, tough tires. Mine are a bit tough to mount when they tires are brand new. However, I can mount them only using my hands (it's technique, not as much strength). They are easier to mount as time goes on, and when doing a road side repair (which is rare), the tires are relatively easy to mount because they are warm (I live in Southern CA)
I've concluded one reason the brand new tires are hard to mount is they are "cold". The tires have been in my relatively cool garage, on the shelf So now, before I mount new tires, I set them out in the sun to warm up a bit and I think that makes it easier to mount. .