Disclosed herein is a control apparatus for an engine-powered forklift. The control apparatus of the present invention includes a mode detecting means for detecting whether the forklift is in a traveling mode or a working mode, and a controller, which controls the engine of the forklift such that, when the forklift is in the traveling mode, the output of the engine is restricted from increasing to a preset output value or more, and, when the forklift is in the working mode, the output of the engine is allowed to increase to the preset output value or more.