Objective To study the comprehensive properties of Mo coating prepared by high velocity arc spraying, so as to provide some referential value for Mo coating preparation technology. Methods The Mo coatings were prepared on the surface of 45CrNiMoVA steel by the high velocity arc spraying device, tests include microstructure, components, microhardness, bonding-strength were performed by SEM, XRD, micro-hardness test, electromechanical universal testing machine, and the fracture mechanism was analyzed through the micro-structure of fracture surface. The lubricative tribological properties under different loads of coating were tested by the CETR-3 multifunctional friction and wear testing machine. The friction properties and wear mechanism were characterized through the wear volume and worn surface. Results The Mo coating presented a certain amount of micro-pores and low content of oxides, the bonding of coating and matrix is reliable without cracks and pores, the average microhardness is 416. 3 HV0. 1, the average cohesive strength is 22. 7 MPa. The tensile fracture surface showed brittle fracture companied with some pits resulted by partial melted particles, and the wear volume were 1. 1×107 μm3 , 4. 4×107 μm3 and 5. 5×107 μm3 when under the load of 10 N, 30N and 50 N, respectively. Conclusion Mo coating can be successfully prepared by high velocity arc spraying, the bonding mechanism of coating and matrix is mechanical joint. The lubricative wear test showed that wear volume was increased with the rise of load, and the wear mechanism under different loadings was mainly adhesive wear.