I think I only had tires mounted one time. It's been by hand ever since. I have tubes in my tires due to rusty bead areas on most of the rims. I also seem to have a lot of punctures due to sharp objects (nails or steel objects of some kind). Breaking the bead with a sledge, or even driving another vehicle over the edge of the tire, or just running flat for a short distance will usually do it. I have two irons, but more would be better-long handles are best. A spray bottle with soapy water is helpful. If you have tubes, you have to be very careful not to pinch the tube between the iron and the rim, or anything else for that matter.
I'm not going to say it's easy, but there is a knack to doing it. When mounting, you have to learn how to work the tire into the right spot in recess on the rim, otherwise you will be in a loosing fight with a very stiff tire. Irons can also damage the bead if you don't have it lined up right and you try to force the tire on the rim. Watch some videos. the will help you get the right idea.