The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling an actuator (7, 8) of a crane by control means (10) in a situation where the lifting power of the actuator (7, 8) of the crane is increased temporarily by an auxiliary valve arrangement (11). In the invention, control properties of the actuator (7, 8) are changed when the temporarily increased lifting power is applied to limit the speed of the actuator (7, 8).