Abstract: The invention relates to a side strut (6) for the lower steering arm of a three-point hitch of a tractor. Locking catches (24, 25) are provided to cancel the floating position which the two telescopic members (14, 15) of the side strut 6 may assume relative to each other. The catches (24, 25) lock the members via locking contours (29, 30) of a locking recess 28, which surround and secure to a locking journal (31). The two locking catches (24, 25) are arranged at the sides of the telescopic members (14, 15). The locking catches have their pivot axis of the articulated journal (27) the points of contact between the locking contours (29, 30) and the locking journals (31), in a locked position, positioned on a connecting line. The line extends parallel to the sliding axis (16) and through the pivot axis of the ball eye (13). In this way, it is ensured that the locking catches (24, 25) and also the side strut (6), together, are not subject to any bending moments resulting from any tensile or compressive forces.