Objective To improve the wear resistance of cutting tooth and to prolong its service life. Methods The TiC enhanced nickel-based composite coating was prepared on the surface of 35CrMnSi steel by argon arc cladding technique. The microstructure of the coating was analyzed by OM, SEM and XRD. Microhardness and wear resistance at room temperature of the composite coating were examined by means of microhardness testing and impact abrasion resistance testing, respectively. Results The compact microstructure was obtained in the composite coating, and good metallurgical bonding could be obtained between the 35CrMnSi steel and cladding coating, with the main phases of TiC, γ-Ni and M₂₃C₆. The majority of TiC was blocky. The TiC particles was about 1 ~ 2 μm in size and the particles were dispersed in the coatings. The hardness and wear resistance of the coating were related with the ( Ti+C) content. The highest hardness of 20% ( Ti+C) coating was 1190HV. The relative wear resistance of the composite coating was 7. 5 times higher than that of 35CrMnSi steel. Conclusion The cladding coating reinforced by TiC particle showed apparently improved surface hardness as compared to 35CrMnSi steel. The wear mechanism of the composite coating under impact loading at room temperature was micro-cutting wear. The wear resistance of coating was greatly increased by argon arc cladding.